Tucson Development Thread

[acatalanb]

No, I'm beyond for that bridge. I think it'd be one of the most awesomely profound monuments in America if it were built.

I just haven't heard anything since it was dead in the water a couple years ago. Has something changed that I completely missed since then?

The current mayor from an interview ( http://www.azpm.org/news/ ) sometime last year, says the Rainbow Bridge IS still on the table. The city of Tucson has the blueprints and all the bureaucratic signatures blah blah etc.... The only thing missing of course is the $200-$300 million funds to actually build it. Personally, I think it should be built pending available funds. Our beloved US of America really need to build projects like these. If Phoenix, L.A. or wherever in the USA would build big ticket projects like these, I'd visit the place. I couldn't wait to visit San Francisco's Transbay Center (http://transbaycenter.org/)myself when it's done.

ok, here's the video , http://www.azpm.org/news/story/2010/12/10/200-2011-a-challenging-year-for-city-of-tucson/ . According to the mayor (this is before his announcement of not running for re-election), the funds to build the Science Center ( Rainbow Bridge has a science center in the bridge with an IMAX ) would come from private donations and/or low cost city bonds. I think they are opting for the smaller scale ($120 million bridge instead of the bigger $300 million bridge .... i prefer the bigger one, hope they change their mind ).

The candidates running for the mayor's seat so far have support to continue downtown renovation. One candidate even wants to build historic projects around the Santa Cruz river ( filling part of the river with water ).

Rainbow Bridge in pdf format (http://alexisfaust.com/uploads/TucCit05sep1-rainbow.pdf)

The architect's wiki page list UA Science Center in progress 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Vi%C3%B1oly) - I wished he'd be the architect for the new city/county court complex (see below)

More stuff about the UofA Science Center in pdf format (http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/pdf/rioscfacts03.pdf) ... there's a butterfly museum, telescope, cafe etc... The UA and City of Tucson can opt for the $300 million and work on phases as funds permit .

[acatalanb]

Builder got parcel for $100; now board wants it back

Rio Nuevo sues city, Bourn for land

Rob O'Dell Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 12:00 am

The Rio Nuevo Board has sued the city and developer Don Bourn, seeking to get the prime real estate downtown he received for $100 returned to taxpayers.

The suit, filed Tuesday, was a reaction to a suit filed by taxpayer advocate John Kromko against the Rio Nuevo District and Bourn over a deal almost seven years ago in which Bourn acquired the land on East Congress Street for $100. Taxpayers spent $900,000 razing a 100-year-old building there to make way for his development.

Kromko's suit alleged that because Bourn never built on his land, the deal violated the Arizona gift clause.

Rio Nuevo's response asked that Kromko's lawsuit be thrown out. At the same time, the board filed its own suit against the city and Bourn seeking the same thing as Kromko: that Bourn be forced to give the land back to Rio Nuevo and the taxpayers.

In its suit, Rio Nuevo argues Bourn's development agreement is void for two reasons: Bourn has not held up his end of the development agreement, and Rio Nuevo and the city never had the standing under law to enter into the development agreement in the first place.

The lawsuit cites a finding in a state-mandated audit of Rio Nuevo issued in the October, which found that Bourn's project involved housing, which was not a purpose of the district under state law.

In 2004, Rio Nuevo spent nearly $900,000 tearing down buildings - including one that was more than 100 years old - on East Congress Street between South Scott and Stone avenues. Bourn got that property, along with the historic Indian Trading Post next door, but never made good on his plans to build condos and retail there.

The lot still sits vacant, and the Indian Trading Post is empty. Bourn has told Rio Nuevo he wants to build a Hampton Inn there, but can't get the money to build it.

Because the city and Rio Nuevo gave the land to Bourn with few strings attached, the two entities were not able to get the land back from Bourn.

At the time the Bourn deal was conceived of and approved, Rio Nuevo was controlled by the city. The Legislature took Rio Nuevo away from the city and appointed its own board in 2010, after the city spent $230 million in Rio Nuevo tax-increment financing money downtown with little to show for it.

Bourn did not return phone calls for comments. City Attorney Mike Rankin said he couldn't comment on the suit because he had not seen it yet.

Rio Nuevo Board Chairwoman Jodi Bain said the district decided in closed session last week that this would be the response to Kromko's lawsuit:

"If it was not valid at the time it was made, then it shouldn't have been approved," Bain said. "If that's a fact, then the property should come back to the district."

Bain said one reason the city was added to the lawsuit is that it was one of the parties that created the deal. In addition, Bain said, if a court finds the deal was improperly put together, then damages Bourn could seek could be filed against the city.

Bain said Bourn has said he's spent $3.5 million to $4 million trying to develop the property, and he could seek damages if a court found that the city was never able to give the land to Bourn in the first place.

Kromko said he's happy with Rio Nuevo's response, although he hasn't seen it. He said Rio Nuevo has nothing to gain in continuing with Bourn's deal other than ridicule. "That's very good news indeed," Kromko said of the lawsuit. "I don't think I could have wanted much more than that."

Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at 573-4346 or rodell@azstarnet.com

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5481939599_76b858a3a8.jpg

[acatalanb]

Pima hires Sundt for work in advance of court project

Andrea Kelly Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 12:00 am

The Pima County Board of Supervisors hired a firm Tuesday to begin the preliminary work needed so construction can start as soon as next year on a new court complex downtown.

The question of how to pay for the new building, however, remains unanswered, even as the board approved the $500,000 contract for Sundt Construction Inc. to review costs for subcontractors and materials, and get necessary permits to prepare for the eventual construction.

Plans for a new city and county courthouse at the southeast corner of East Toole and North Stone avenues have been in the works for years, as Pima County Justice Court outgrew its downtown space and is leasing commercial property for the overflow, and the aging Tucson City Court building needs to be replaced.

Voters approved funding in the 2004 bond package, but only $17 million remains for a building that could take $33 million to $40 million to construct, said Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

Even if the whole $40 million were available today, it's only enough to build the shell of the building without any tenant improvements. That means the city and county would later have to pay to upgrade each floor with interior walls and furniture for the office and courtroom needs, Huckelberry said.

Though she ultimately voted to approve the "pre-construction services" contract, Supervisor Ann Day said she is concerned that the city won't be able to pay its portion of the construction costs and that the county is taking a risk moving forward.

"What's your plan if we move forward with the shell and voters don't approve a future bond election that would finish the project? I really feel we're moving this project forward without the needed funding," Day said.

Huckelberry said he hopes voters approve the funding in the next few years. If they don't, the city and county will have to pay for the project with operating funds, he said.

"Our view is that the best outcome would be that we would advance this funding, build the shell, save anywhere from 7 to 10 million (dollars) in construction costs, and have bond election … that would authorize this funding to be replaced," Huckelberry said.

Day asked again what will happen if voters don't approve the funding.

"Then we have to pay for the completion of the building jointly out of our operating costs," Huckelberry said. "The alternative is we don't build the building. The risk is, our risk is pretty contained. All we are is overcrowded; we have court in La Placita. The city's risk is much greater, because the building they're in is basically about to - it needs to be replaced as soon as possible."

Supervisor Richard Elías said the project is critical, especially considering modern security upgrades now needed in courthouses.

"We have to be more careful with our courts now than we have been in the past," Elías said. "Las Vegas, Atlanta, both had terrible incidents at their courts where judges have been murdered in their courtrooms or in their chambers."

The board unanimously approved the pre-construction contract. Supervisor Ray Carroll was absent. The board's approval is required again before the project moves into the construction phase.

Contact reporter Andrea Kelly at akelly@azstarnet.com or 807-7790.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5511067761_44016dc466.jpg

[Ritarancher]

World's Most Underrated Cities
Sure, popular cities have their place. But if you like exploring, there's interesting stuff in the world's most underrated cities.
By Jennifer Chen
Detroit
Detroit
Photo: Aaron Sneddon
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Welcome to the urban underdogs—cities that aren't on the radar for most travelers. Some, like Slovakia's capital of Bratislava, might be overlooked because of their proximity to better-known cities. Others, like Detroit, can't seem to live down a bad rap. But if undiscovered art scenes, experimental cuisine, great architecture, and interesting neighborhoods are on your travel checklist, then these cities deserve a second look.

For a traveler, the main appeal of these neglected cities is authenticity. "You go to the Old Town in Prague, it's mostly tourists. In Bratislava, it's all locals," says Jaroslave Vitazka, a project manager for a private equity firm who has called the city home since 2002. Or, as Phillip Cooley says about Detroit: "It's real, it's honest. You can spend the day at an urban farm, and then head off to a Tigers game or the opera, just like the locals do."

Detroit

A new breed of urban homesteader is helping to revive Motor City. Abandoned factories and warehouses like the Russell Industrial Center have been turned into studios for artists and artisans, while gardens now flourish in formerly vacant lots. The exuberant Heidelberg Art Project turns urban blight into a symbol of hope. Detroit's food scene, meanwhile, is taking off. Foran's Grand Trunk micropub, the Eastern Market, Supino Pizzeria, and Slows BBQ are just some of the gastronomic must-dos. Don't forget the city's museums, including the Detroit Institute of Art, home to Diego Rivera's "Detroit Industry" murals, and the delightful Motown Museum.

Don't Miss: If you're there on the weekend, swing by Café d'Mongo's, an antiques-filled speakeasy with live jazz that's open only Friday nights.

Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
Photo: Hung-Wen Wan
Taipei, Taiwan

In the 1980s and '90s, this city of 3 million was choked in smog. Today, Taipei is one of Asia's most pleasant capitals, with acres of green space and an easy-to-use public transport system. And there's plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts: Yangmingshan National Park, a hot springs in Beitou, hiking trails throughout the surrounding mountains, and riverside bike paths. But the biggest draw is the cuisine. Taipei has some of the best Chinese food in the world, from humble holes-in-the-wall to culinary temples. Don't fret if you can't speak or read the lingo—friendly locals are eager to help visitors.

Don't Miss: Lan Jia Gua Bao, near the Gongguan Night Market, serves superlative gua bao, or braised pork belly buns.

Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Photo: Saqib Karori
Tucson, AZ

It's not just rodeos and golf in this laid-back city of 518,000. Surrounded by mountains and Saguaro National Park, Tucson has abundant natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Now you can add a happening downtown to its list of attractions. Decade-long efforts to redevelop the area have resulted in top-rated restaurants like chef Janos Wilder's Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, along with scores of new shops, restaurants, and bars. And every second Saturday, a few downtown blocks are closed to traffic in the evening for a street fair, with artisans, food vendors, street performers, and live music acts.

Don't Miss: Some of downtown Tucson's historic buildings have been given a second lease on life. Have a drink at Hotel Congress before attending a concert at The Rialto, a theater built during the Roaring Twenties.

Glasgow
Glasgow
Photo: Jason Smith / Alamy
Glasgow

London and Manchester might dispute this claim, but Glasgow has the best music scene in Great Britain. Acts like Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand got their start in clubs like King Tut's and the Barrowland Ballroom. And there's much more to experience in Scotland's largest city. Take your pick of innovative restaurants such as the mod-Scottish Cail Bruich or the seafood-centric Crabshakk. Architecture buffs shouldn't miss the Glasgow School of Art, an Art Nouveau gem designed by native son Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A new Zaha Hadid–designed transport museum opening this spring seals the city's reputation for forward-looking design.

Don't Miss: Hit the vintage shops along Byres Road. We Love to Boogie has a well-curated collection, café, and free Wi-Fi.

Nara, Japan
Nara, Japan
Photo: Kevin Cheng
Nara, Japan

Often neglected in favor of nearby Kyoto, this former imperial capital is equally rich in ancient Buddhist temples, shrines, and gardens, but without the camera-wielding crowds. You'll find tame deer and the 8th-century Todai-Ji temple complex in Nara Park, while the lovely Isui-en garden provides serenity just a short walk away. The city also has an impressive collection of machiya, or traditional wooden townhouses. Spend an afternoon wandering the narrow streets of Naramchi, the old merchant district where many machiya have been converted into cafés and restaurants.

Don't Miss: Nara is the birthplace of sake, and numerous breweries can be found in and around the city. Arrange a visit to Harushika, a 127-year-old brewery, or drop by Kuramoto Hoshuku, a popular sake bar run by another local brewer.

Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia
Photo: Ben Hsu
Bratislava, Slovakia

Fairy-tale buildings, charming squares, a medieval castle looming over the city. No, we're not talking about Prague, but its Slovak counterpart down the Danube. Since Slovakia joined the EU in 2004, its once-sleepy capital has transformed into a buzzing hot spot. Nowhere is this more evident than the revitalized Old Town, where locals pack the many atmospheric cafés, bars, and restaurants. Though the dining scene has become more international, a new wave of old-school beer halls is finding favor among Bratislava's hipsters. Check out Beer Palace near the opera house and Kolkovna in the new, riverside Eurovea complex.

Don't Miss: Take a boat down to the futuristic Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, situated on a peninsula near the borders with Austria and Hungary.

Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Photo: (c) Capitolshots Photography
Providence, RI

Move over, Boston. A renewed waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and sophisticated dining have turned this small college town into New England's most exciting city. Edgy galleries like New Urban Arts and AS220 host parties as well as exhibitions, while the RISD Museum shows French Impressionists, 20th-century masters, and rising young artists (including alums). The once-derelict West End neighborhood is now the city's epicenter of cool, with friendly dive bars, vintage stores, terrific eateries, and indie record stores. Swill cocktails at The Avery before moving on to the E&O Tap, a local institution.

Don't Miss: Opened in March 2010, Cook & Brown brings French finesse to down-home classics. Try the stuffed quail with cranberry relish and wild rice.

Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Photo: iStock
Adelaide, Australia

Nicknamed "the city of churches," this picturesque coastal city has long shed its stuffy reputation thanks to its multiethnic mix, lively café culture, and avant-garde art scene. Every February sees the Adelaide Fringe Festival, while the biennial Adelaide Festival of the Arts takes place in March. (The next one is in 2012.) During the rest of the year, get your art fix at cutting-edge galleries such as Greenaway Art Gallery and the aboriginal art–focused Tandanya. Bustling Central Market provides a window into the culinary scene. Adelaide is also blessed with a mild climate, so you can enjoy its fine beaches and the 125-acre Adelaide Botanic Garden all year round.

Don't Miss: People-watch from an outdoor table at Scoozi, one of the dozens of welcoming cafés on Rundle Street East.

Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso, Chile
Photo: Jared J. Fernandez
Valparaíso, Chile

A two-hour drive from Santiago, this port city has long been known for the colorful houses that dot its steep hills. In recent years, it's been undergoing a renaissance as residents turn historic buildings into character- filled boutique hotels, restaurants, and galleries. Catch this new spirit in Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción, two bohemian neighborhoods accessible by the city's distinctive ascensores, or funicular elevators. Check into Hotel Gervasoni or the Zero Hotel, both located in 19th-century mansions with sweeping views, before having dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.

Don't Miss: One of the homes of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, La Sebastiana is now a museum filled with quirky items collected by the poet during his travels.

[Teacher_AZ_84]

I was completely excited and surprised to see us on there when I read it last night!

[Anqrew]

UA, developers near agreement
An agreement between the University of Arizona and private developers to build student apartments downtown as well as other areas off campus could be announced as early as next week.
There is a need for more student housing, UA leaders say, but the school doesn't have the money or the space to build on campus. The solution is a public-private partnership that could lead to as many as 1,200 students living downtown - a boon for downtown redevelopment efforts.
The deal is essentially a marketing agreement. The UA would give only its name and not other financial help. But it would refer students to the projects and perhaps help with marketing and management. The UA endorsement and commitment to funnel tenants to the projects could help some builders get better lending terms and financing rates.
The UA could pick any one or a combination of developers with which to negotiate the marketing agreement. Once the commitment is made, a future deal over land and other issues could be made with the UA and the city at a later date.
The UA is particularly interested in high-quality design on sites that could contribute to its new UA-Downtown concept. So far, the branch includes a set of classrooms at the corner of North Stone Avenue and East Pennington Street, and the new National Institute for Civil Discourse on East Broadway just east of Stone Avenue.
At least four of the projects pitched to the UA would be located downtown.
The UA also wanted sites along the proposed 3.9-mile streetcar route, which will connect the UA to downtown, running from University Medical Center through campus and downtown and ending up on the west side of Interstate 10 at the Santa Cruz River.
Downtown commercial development, the streetcar and student housing are like three legs of a stool, said developer Jim Campbell, who has partnered with a national student housing developer for a proposed project next to the Rialto Theatre.
"They all lean on each other," Campbell said. "If one thing stands alone, it doesn't work so well."
Ron Schwabe, of Peach Properties, who represents a proposed project just south of the Rialto across East Broadway, said more than 1,000 students living downtown will make every business downtown more viable. "It's gonna light it up," Schwabe said.
More students downtown means more patrons in restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores, said developer Scott Stiteler, who has a proposal for a site north of the Union Pacific Railroad at the edge of downtown. "It's an integral part of having downtown revitalize."
Downtown backers and promoters have longed for the UA to put more classrooms, facilities and dorms downtown. Now, with the UA locating classroom space and student housing, the UA-downtown nexus is possible, said Fletcher McCusker, the chief executive officer of Providence Service Corp., which just located its headquarters downtown. McCusker also just bought two properties downtown and is involved with several groups regarding downtown, including the Downtown Tucson Partnership and Tucson Regional Opportunities Inc., or TREO. He gave space to the new civility center.
McCusker said the student housing could create a "connected, young, urban, hip area" that connects downtown and the UA to form one continuous area.
Since last summer, a UA team has been evaluating seven proposals, although one of the parties, Campus Acquisitions, has since dropped out. Another bidder, Clark Realty Capital, did not respond to inquiries about their proposal.


THE PROJECTS

Capstone Development Corp. and Jim Campbell
• Who: Local developer, Jim Campbell is partnering with the Birmingham, Ala.-based company that specializes in student housing. Capstone has won awards for its Taylor Place students apartments at Arizona State University's downtown campus.
• The project: A mixed-use student housing development with 700 beds on one acre at the former Greyhound property, next to the Rialto Theatre on East Congress Street and another site across Congress next to the railroad tracks. The plan would include a parking garage, which is now being built by the city, and more than 25,000 square feet of commercial space on both sides of the street. The site next to the Rialto could include 550 beds for student housing, and the site next to the railroad tracks could see between 70 and 170 beds, depending on whether rooms are designated for graduate students. A streetcar stop would be next to the site.

Peach Properties
• Who: The local property management and development company owns and manages several properties downtown and in central Tucson.
• The project: A 320-bed complex with 18,000 square feet of street-level retail on a site along the streetcar line on East Broadway. The site, bounded South Fourth and South Herbert avenues, would include a seven-story building that would not be as tall as it comes closer to the neighborhood to the south, Ron Schwabe said. The site would also include on-site parking in a garage, he said.

Stellar Cos.
• Who: A local effort owned by developers Scott Stiteler and Scott Cummings. Majority partner Stiteler owns the block surrounding the Rialto Theatre, and an adjacent block on Congress. He also owns the former Martin Luther King Jr. housing project, which has been turned into a housing and retail development.
• The project: The project would be located on the site of the former Corbett lumber yard, north of the railroad tracks between North Sixth Avenue, North Fifth Avenue, East Seventh Street, East Eighth Street. Stiteler said the property is 140,000 square feet, but the plans for student housing are undefined right now because the city is in the process of acquiring part of the project through eminent domain for the extension of Barraza Aviation Parkway and for a future maintenance facility for the streetcar. Stiteler said it's unclear what part of the site will be left for student housing, but said it still makes sense, especially when combined with his other downtown properties.

Concord Eastridge and Bourn Cos.
• Who: Scottsdale-based Concord Eastridge worked on a 13-acre master plan development at ASU, but the plan was shelved when the state budget crisis began. Their UA proposal is a joint venture with Tucson's Bourn. Other local partners include Rob Paulus Architects and Tofel Construction.
• The project: The group wants to redevelop La Placita Village, a colorfully painted office and retail center owned by Bourn and located along the proposed streetcar route at Broadway and South Church Avenue. Financing is in place for a plan that calls for 540 beds, parking, retail and academic spaces, said Concord Eastridge CEO Susan Eastridge.

American Campus Communities
• Who: The Austin-based student-housing developer manages the Entrada Real student apartment complex at University Boulevard and Stone Avenue. It also has done four ASU projects.
• The project: The company has been buying up property north of the UA campus on Drachman and Mabel streets, but the company's proposal has not yet been made public.

Clark Realty Capital and Duxbury Financial LLC
• Who: The East Coast multifamily development partnership is currently building a mixed-use development of student apartments and retail space at University of Maryland-College Park.
• The project: Information has not been made public.

Campus Acquisitions LLC
• Who: UA alum Mike Noonan, a developer from Cave Creek, partnered with this Chicago-based firm.
• The project: A plan to build a apartments for 300 students at North Euclid Avenue and East Fourth Street, near the UA main gate and along the proposed streetcar line, stalled in the city's rezoning process last year.

[acatalanb]

I can't find one building that I don't like in the UA campus and I'm glad the UA is putting into consideration in the design of their downtown buildings. Those housing projects (both student/elderly/handicap) should be enough to keep downtown's momentum ( maybe, make downtown affordable to live ... big box corporate retail and fast foods helps bring downtown affordable, too ).

There's so many projects downtown, I lost track on what's being done. My understanding there was supposed to be 3 proposals from developers for the current Greyhound depot by I-10 last February....I'm trying to find the status of those proposals.

[acatalanb]

:dancingtaco It's nice to see Tucson on the list of underrated cities in the world.

[ComplotDesigner]

Corner of 6th St. and Highland Ave. 03.12.2011

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/7606/dscn0083.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3881/dscn0084k.jpg

http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/6351/dscn0085r.jpg

[acatalanb]

:previous: Gorgeous building! UofA has been good in keeping it's architecture consistent. 6th St is one of the roads in Tucson that badly needs a bike lane

[Anqrew]

:previous: Gorgeous building! UofA has been good in keeping it's architecture consistent. 6th St is one of the roads in Tucson that badly needs a bike lane

Very gorgeous! and yes 5th/6th St is almost suicide if riding a bike, all the cars need to switch into the other lane to pass the bicyclists and it just causes a lot of problems, if i were a biker id never ride on 5th/6th. of course there is 3rd St which is entirely devoted to bike traffic so i suppose thats why theres no bike lanes.

[davidmperre@gmail.co]

The bridge is a huge question mark. It might come back considering all the $$$ spent on the consultants, blueprints, architect(s) etc... The current mayor ( who won't run for re-election) says it will be built.

You're right. Tucson skyline would look nice if it has more modern looking buildings. I'm hoping that light rail would be the 'gravitational attraction' for future high rise development.

I've read there's solar technology with panels that look like glass windows. Hopefully, whoever builds a glass high rise downtown would implement that technology.

I've been here in Tucson since 1990 and moved to downtown since May '10, I think downtown is the place to live in Tucson. Things that I need are within walkable distance but I'm hoping for more stores (like Walmart), retail, commercial imax movie theater etc... and that the transit center/train depot doesn't get moved to another place.



yah i like the solar panel widown thing would be cool. i like up in phoenix though. sometimes i go to google sketchup and make some random modern highrises in empty parking lots in tucson hoping someday that they will be there!

[kaneui]

To celebrate the recent completion of a two and a half-year exterior and interior renovation of downtown's St. Augustine Cathedral, I thought I'd offer an historical retrospective.


Reflecting the tastes of recently arrived transplants from the East, Tucson's new cathedral was constructed of brick in the Romanesque Revival style, although funds ran out before the two 18-story spires could be completed:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral-1897.jpg
St. Augustine Cathedral - 1897
(photo: Diocese of Tucson)


By the 1920's, Southwestern citizens wanted buildings that reflected the region's Spanish and Mexican heritage, and the cathedral was renovated in 1927 with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, modeled after the cathedral in Queretaro, Mexico:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral-1927.jpg
Cathedral renovation - 1927
(photo: Diocese of Tucson)


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/1990879374_4a9e8caae2_z.jpg
(photo: flickr/bridgepix)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral.jpg
(photo: Ron Niebrugge)



The interior was remodeled in the 1960's according to Vatican II guidelines, leaving it rather austere and cold:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedralinterior-1967.jpg
Cathedral interior - 1967
(photo: Diocese of Tucson)


In 1998, Bishop Kincanas began plans with artist John Alan for an update of the venerable structure. Completed in 2009, the plain white exterior was embellished with more color and detail, including a gazebo with painted metal flowers in the adjoining placita:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral-racketrx.jpg
(photo: flickr/racketrx)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral3-SearchNetMedia.jpg
(photo: flickr/PhotographybySakura)


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/flowergazebo.jpg
(photo: Wordsmith)


Although not as ornate as the Santa Fe Cathedral or St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix, the recently completed interior renovation now reflects more warmth and texture, including a restored 12th-century Spanish crucifix behind the altar:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/StAugustineCathedral-interior.jpg
(photo: philsnyder/Flickr)

[Qwijib0]

I can't find one building that I don't like in the UA campus and I'm glad the UA is putting into consideration in the design of their downtown buildings.

The main library is pretty bad :p

Gorgeous building! UofA has been good in keeping it's architecture consistent.

Sort of-- I like that there is still a mandated percentage of brick, but none of the modern new stuff looks as "universitial" as places like the engineering, agriculture and chemistry buildings. The attention to detail on them is pretty great.

[acatalanb]

yah i like the solar panel widown thing would be cool. i like up in phoenix though. sometimes i go to google sketchup and make some random modern highrises in empty parking lots in tucson hoping someday that they will be there!

it helps to have an extra source of power instead of the local electric utility. think of what's happening in Japan's epic disaster....if most of your electricity is coming from one source and that source is destroyed you can at least get some power with solar panels just enough to heat up the heater or turn on some light bulbs.

here's another promising source of energy - ALGAE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algae_fuel)

[acatalanb]

The main library is pretty bad :p



Sort of-- I like that there is still a mandated percentage of brick, but none of the modern new stuff looks as "universitial" as places like the engineering, agriculture and chemistry buildings. The attention to detail on them is pretty great.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The UA main library is just an average building to me ( not ugly, not great ). Yes, overall, the UA campus is mostly dominated by red bricks. Looking from afar, it looks pretty consistent with red bricks.

[davidmperre@gmail.co]

Here is a pic of Tucsons (fake) future skyline!

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49538648.jpg

[acatalanb]

:previous: Didn't care much about Tucson's history until I lived downtown about 10 months ago. You walk around your neighborhood, see some old buildings and then get curious about them. I must say downtown Tucson is the best place to live in Tucson considering it's a 'walkable' area and that most amenities are close by. I'm 5 minute walk from 17th st. market ( check out their habanero garlic! ) and 10 minute walk from 4th ave, central downtown, bus transit etc... Now, if they could just put in a walmart, imax theater, trader joe's, fry's etc...

[acatalanb]

Here is a pic of Tucsons (fake) future skyline!

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49538648.jpg

I should try out that software ( sketchup ) someday. I'm trying to learn blender (http://www.blender.org/) ... it has quite a learning curve!!

[ppdd]

I've actually been planning on doing this, it just takes a while to acquire all the pictures with all the appropriate copyrights et cetera. and theres no need to be so patronizing about it, saying things like "all the cool cities" and "whatever", it seems sort of rude to me. (but no matter, i dont really care just wanted to point it out that it comes off slightly rude like that when you read it) and I'd probably include Skyline, Pima County Courthouse, San Xavier, Biosphere 2, Sahuaro National Park, Summerhaven, McKale Center maybe, Agua Caliente Park maybe...

For what it's worth, I have a lot of photos of Tucson and surrounding areas/attractions that I would release to this - many have been published, so they should be a good start. Let me know if you're interested.

[acatalanb]

Our view: Financing should be lined up before ground is broken on needed project

City-county courthouse plans pose questions

Posted: Friday, March 18, 2011 12:00 am

Preconstruction work on a new joint court complex for Pima County and the city of Tucson is costing $500,000, and it's probably money prudently spent. But when the city and county decide whether to proceed with the project, they must not succumb to the temptation of bringing in the building cranes even if financing its completion is up in the air.

There's no question the new courthouse complex is needed, but at this point there are too many "ifs" and too few answers on financing it. City and county taxpayers deserve responsible answers before any further work is green-lighted.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors last week agreed to pay Sundt Construction Inc. $500,000 to complete preconstruction planning and cost analysis for the project - including getting subcontractor bids, revising the building plan so that the new courthouse can be built in two phases and sorting out other details.

Sundt will be paid with bond proceeds that voters authorized for the project in 2004, but it's still unclear where the city and county would get the money needed to pay for construction.

County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry says he hopes to use Sundt's findings to put together a detailed risk-analysis on the project that he can take to the city this summer.

In 2004, voters agreed to raise $74 million in bonds to finance a new courthouse. Only $17 million of that money is still in the bank; the rest went to acquiring the land at the southeast corner of East Toole and North Stone avenues, paying for construction designs and financing the required - but unexpectedly expensive - archaeological work that included relocating 1,200 graves no one knew were on the site.

The actual building of the project will cost at least $50 million, Huckelberry told us, and while the city-county Bond Advisory Committee has agreed that the project should go forward, he said, they "didn't say when." That's because the committee doesn't want to ask voters to authorize new bonds until an economic recovery is strongly established - probably in 2013 at the earliest.

With that in mind, the county is considering dividing construction into two phases: first putting up a building shell - that's the $50 million cost - and finishing out its interior sometime later.

So the "ifs" we have so far are: the actual cost of building the shell; finding the money to pay for the shell; the cost of finishing its interior; and when (if ever) voters would agree to kick loose more bond money to pay for all this.

The money to put up the shell could be raised using certificates of participation - short-term, "bridge" financing, Huckelberry said. The interest on the certificates would be paid from the general funds of the city and county, about half from each. The certificates would be paid off when (if) voters authorize new bonds to finish out the complex.

Deputy City Manager Richard Miranda said the city spent about $2 million this year just keeping the old courthouse operational - new HVAC work, elevators, toilets, carpets - and the federal government has given the city a reprieve from required, costly retrofitting needed to satisfy federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements because a new courthouse was planned.

"We need to go with the new complex or on our own, which we don't want to do," he said. "We have to start looking at how we're going to get this project off the ground, and if preconstruction money is spent in a way that gets us to a position where we're moving on this project, we support that."

Miranda concedes to having "concerns about how we're going to finish up the building," but he said the various financing strategies Huckelberry shared with the bond committee "seem palatable."

Among the worrisome, unanswered questions: There's no guarantee that voters will agree to authorize more bonds to cover debt on the shell-building construction; the city's budget crisis is so challenging that we wonder whether Tucson can (or will, when asked) carry its share of interest on the certificates of participation; building a shell without a locked-in plan to complete the interior is risky.

Our community often succumbs to a rush to do deals - consider the long-languishing Post House project on Congress Street, for example, or various other deals with developers that have ended up in the trash bin (and, sometimes, the courts).

If the city and county agree to build the shell building, they must first be confident the building can be completed.

There's no question we need better court facilities downtown, but let's make sure all the numbers pencil out before breaking ground at all.

Arizona Daily Star

[davidmperre@gmail.co]

Yah UofA are planning some pretty neat stuff!
Check out this video of this building there building in Tucson.
Its gonna b the GREENEST building in AZ,
inspired by a Canyon!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7gXPPt1HI&feature=channel_video_title
:)

[Anqrew]

I found this really great PDf of the downtown plan, dont know if anyone else has seen it, i dont really read it i just look at the diagrams. Interestingly... in the plan the Rondstadt center doesn't exist in the future which i think is good because that land could be better used. Anyway just looking through all the ideas put into this is really exciting and makes me anxious as to what downtown will be like in 5+ years.

heres a screenshot of one of many pages of it and the link to the actual pdf.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/planning/prog_proj/projects/urbandesign/cms1_033330.pdf

http://i56.tinypic.com/t540zl.png

[acatalanb]

I'm glad there's focus on mixed-used development ( from the pdf doc :previous: ) downtown . If the transit center gets moved from the current location, I hope it's close to the rail tracks. I'd like to see a real transportation hub with the train depot, transit center and greyhound depot located in one spot within downtown proper. And hopefully, those condo's, townhouses, apts are within the financial means of the average Tucsonan . I checked the prices of the new houses at the Mercado District - 3bed/2bath/2K sq ft cost between $600K-$800K during the current record breaking depressed real estate market!

The tallest building in the world, Burj Dubai , as of last December is only 8 percent occupied. Equally, many people believe that communist China's high rises are mostly empty and they are predicted to experience a massive real estate bubble in the near future. I hate to see a downtown Tucson with mostly unoccupied high rises.

I knew people who lived in downtown San Diego that left because the housing prices got so unbearable.

[acatalanb]

...let me add, there's a chance military housing might be added among the affordable housing downtown (with light rail extended to at least the DM airbase). I think this round of downtown renovation is not going to be another 'false start'. There's also a handful of houses in my neighborhood (Armory Park) that are being refurbished ... I'll post some more photos of downtown houses sometime next week.

[Ritarancher]

The current mayor from an interview ( http://www.azpm.org/news/ ) sometime last year, says the Rainbow Bridge IS still on the table. The city of Tucson has the blueprints and all the bureaucratic signatures blah blah etc.... The only thing missing of course is the $200-$300 million funds to actually build it. Personally, I think it should be built pending available funds. Our beloved US of America really need to build projects like these. If Phoenix, L.A. or wherever in the USA would build big ticket projects like these, I'd visit the place. I couldn't wait to visit San Francisco's Transbay Center (http://transbaycenter.org/)myself when it's done.

ok, here's the video , http://www.azpm.org/news/story/2010/12/10/200-2011-a-challenging-year-for-city-of-tucson/ . According to the mayor (this is before his announcement of not running for re-election), the funds to build the Science Center ( Rainbow Bridge has a science center in the bridge with an IMAX ) would come from private donations and/or low cost city bonds. I think they are opting for the smaller scale ($120 million bridge instead of the bigger $300 million bridge .... i prefer the bigger one, hope they change their mind ).

The candidates running for the mayor's seat so far have support to continue downtown renovation. One candidate even wants to build historic projects around the Santa Cruz river ( filling part of the river with water ).

Rainbow Bridge in pdf format (http://alexisfaust.com/uploads/TucCit05sep1-rainbow.pdf)

The architect's wiki page list UA Science Center in progress 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Vi%C3%B1oly) - I wished he'd be the architect for the new city/county court complex (see below)

More stuff about the UofA Science Center in pdf format (http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/pdf/rioscfacts03.pdf) ... there's a butterfly museum, telescope, cafe etc... The UA and City of Tucson can opt for the $300 million and work on phases as funds permit .

I think that the city should build the BIG bridge, shine colorful lights on the A on "A" Mountain (Kinda like the empire state building.)and that guy who wants to fill the Santa Cruz River should be mayor!!!!

[Ritarancher]

If the government really wanted money they would tax everybody 1 dollar a month.
That would bring 310,000,000 dollars a month
3,720,000,000 a year
and 37,200,000,000 a decade

[acatalanb]

Thanks Rita Rancher for your support for the BIG bridge. I'd put in some of my $$$ for the private donations IF the BIG bridge gets chosen. We need to play 'catch up' with the rest of the world. Here's a nice vision from ..... Rwanda (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=16159) .

Here's a biosphere project on top of a mall (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=16158) in China. Tucson, I appreciate your preference for building 'nostalgic' architecture but where now at the year 2011 NOT 1811 ... let's build the future.

[bleunick]

So several people have been telling me lately that Mr An backed out of his new restaurant 'An Congress' a long time ago. I would have thought that would have been pretty big news... Does anybody have any info on this? construction still continues at that location so are there any other potential tenants?

[acatalanb]

So several people have been telling me lately that Mr An backed out of his new restaurant 'An Congress' a long time ago. I would have thought that would have been pretty big news... Does anybody have any info on this? construction still continues at that location so are there any other potential tenants?

That's news to me. Anyway, there's two other asian restaurants downtown .... so him backing out is not a lost for downtown cuisine.

fyi, Cafe Milano besides the Rice House (the GOOD asian restaurant) and Subway at Congress serves a white custard with cherry syrup drizzled on top and a side of cream cheese ( i think it's italian flan ) ... check it out, it's fabulous! :yes:

[Thirsty]

and that guy who wants to fill the Santa Cruz River should be mayor!!!!

With sand I hope! A natural river restoration would be best for Tucson.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/view-from-baja-arizona/files/2010/05/river22-300x199.jpg

What I hope doesn't fill the gully is water. Tempe Town Lake offers much needed boating activities, (I learned to row down there) but overall it has been a colossal disappointment in terms of spurring development or creating a useful public space.

So please, not this:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5541375294_9a6b183183.jpg

but this:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2b0sx-w43c/SlXYCI0K-NI/AAAAAAAAF2c/zYng8jcvjw4/s320/Sabino+Lake+01.JPG

[Anqrew]

Bluenick, heres an article i posted a couple pages back about An Congress.

Fifth and Congress, that’s Scott Stiteler’s domain
By Teya Vitu

Scott Stiteler made waves in late 2008 with an ambitious master plan to reshape a broad swath of Downtown stretching from Sixth Street to Armory Park.

That grand plan these days boils down to the intersection of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue.

“I underestimated the revitalization effort by a factor of five,” Stiteler recently admitted within the empty shell where An Congress was supposed to go until restaurateur Kwang C. An decided to expand to Casino Del Sol. “You have to be tenacious and you have to care or you won’t last.”

Stiteler controls three quarters of the intersection, which includes 65,000 square feet of commercial space on three blocks.

He owns the One North Fifth Apartments and the attached street-level retail strip; the historic retail storefronts across from One North Fifth from 262 to 278 E. Congress Street; and he is in a 50-50 partnership with Don Martin for the Rialto Block.

The news right now in Stitelerville is the opening of HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery. It’s the latest signing for Stiteler that in the past year or two have brought Xoom Juice, Yoga Oasis, Cricket, and the Bodies and Titanic exhibitions to the eastern end of Downtown.

Stiteler carefully selects his tenants.

“I’m an unrelenting perfectionist,” he said. “I’m a steward of a huge opportunity. I want to make sure to deliver something that will be special. The ultimate challenge is to be part of the revitalizing a Downtown because you’re dealing with so many passionate people.”

Stiteler has space available in all three buildings. One North Fifth still has 1,400 square feet open; the An Congress area has 6,000 square feet that could be split into two or three spaces; and nothing is slated to follow Titantic in the Rialto Building.

Stiteler said he has a dozen businesses looking at all three buildings.

Stiteler also has a claim to a pad in the city’s Depot Plaza project to build a three- or four-story housing complex behind his One North Fifth and opposite the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Apartments. He does not know when that will be built.

“There’s a lot that has to happen with the city,” he said. This includes the city and Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District resolving the intergovernmental agreement between them.

The fact that Stiteler is saying anything at all stands in stark contrast to all the time the San Francisco resident has spent in Tucson since 1994, involved in some 25 development bringing some 1,000 homes to the Northwest and central Tucson. Among them are Rancho Vistoso, Honeybee Ridge and Sky Ranch.

He very quietly made his first investment Downtown in 1999 when he got 75 percent ownership in the Corbett Building on Sixth Avenue just north of the railroad tracks.

“I thought it probably makes sense to buy property Downtown and look back and say it was a good idea,” Stitler said.

Stiteler didn’t became an active player Downtown until 2005, but he remained entirely undercover as he let Williams & Dame be the public face for One North Fifth.

“My whole career I’ve liked to be off the radar screen. You can get a lot more done,” Stiteler said.

But when he realized Williams & Dame and An had their attentions elsewhere as well, Stiteler shelved his cherished public silence.

“I believe if you’ve going to be successful downtown, you have to have singular focus,” Stiteler said. “They did not have a singular focus. If I don’t get in there and take charge, I will let the community down and let myself down. I’m having fun now.”

http://www.downtowntucson.org/news/?p=3075

[bleunick]

Thanks Anqrew, i dont know how i missed that article.

[HooverDam]

Tempe Town Lake offers much needed boating activities, (I learned to row down there) but overall it has been a colossal disappointment in terms of spurring development or creating a useful public space.


Really? The hundreds of millions of dollars of development on both its North and South shores seem to disagree with you. Tempe Beach Park is now more activated than it ever was pre lake as well. The reason more of the lake hasn't been developed is 1. the market crash and 2. ASU owns most of the land on the South shore and has land banked it as surface lots. There's an upcoming announcement about what Crow/ASU plan to do with that land, so I think we'll start to see it developed more in coming years.

I do agree it would be nice if there were more trees, especially riparian zone trees on the banks of the river. Water conservation is important, but so is mitigating the heat island and beautiful public places. They should've planted more trees like Fremont's Cottonwoods, Arizona Ashes, et cetera and required all Lake adjacent developments to have grey water systems to water the trees.

Overall though Tempe Town Lake has been a gigantic success.

[Ritarancher]

http://www.geo.arizona.edu/Tucson/image_archive/flood83/flood83.html
This website has some pictures of the Rivers flooding in 1983. Downtown pretty much looks the same.

[acatalanb]

I found this really great PDf of the downtown plan, dont know if anyone else has seen it, i dont really read it i just look at the diagrams. Interestingly... in the plan the Rondstadt center doesn't exist in the future which i think is good because that land could be better used. Anyway just looking through all the ideas put into this is really exciting and makes me anxious as to what downtown will be like in 5+ years.

heres a screenshot of one of many pages of it and the link to the actual pdf.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/planning/prog_proj/projects/urbandesign/cms1_033330.pdf

http://i56.tinypic.com/t540zl.png

Can't wait to see more of these buildings popping up downtown. I crave for anything high density in Tucson - more crowds, tall buildings in close proximity etc.. I see myself living in one of the high rises, walking to work (hopefully my own company's office, i'm self employed for 10 yrs now) around the corner, french crepe for breakfast on the first floor, buy stuff on a Walmart on the second floor or groceries at a Trader Joe's on the third floor, watch a movie on an IMAX two blocks away, take a break on one of the pocket parks or visit the Rainbow Bridge science center and when I want to get away, hop in a bullet train to San Diego or Vegas for the weekend or maybe hop in the light rail to the airport for a long trip to France or just visit Mt. Lemon via air tram...a dream that might turn to reality.

[acatalanb]

Sustainable Scoops
Isabella's Ice Cream brings eco-friendly, cold and creamy aspects to Tucson's food-truck world
by Jacqueline Kuder

JACQUELINE KUDER
Isabella's is green, from its organic ice cream to the solar-powered refrigerator in the refurbished Ford Model T.
For more information on Isabella's Ice Cream, call 272-5584, or visit isabellasicecream.com, where you can find a list of events at which Kristel and Dominic will serve their delicious treats.

Food trucks are all the rage in the culinary world—and they're no longer limited to hot dogs and tacos.

All you have to do is turn your television to the Food Network to see that from Los Angeles to New York, local and gourmet creations are being dished out to the hungry masses from mobile restaurants—and Tucson is no exception regarding this trend.

Isabella's Ice Cream is one of the latest additions to the local scene—and it's putting a twist on the traditional ice cream truck. Dominic and Kristel Johnson, founders of the "cold, creamy and green" business, say that they were inspired, in more than one way, by the Arizona sun.

"When we first moved here (to Sahuarita), we thought, 'Wow, an ice cream truck would really be a great business with so many families in the area,'" says Dominic.

His wife, Kristel, chimes in, saying that the biggest challenge was building an ice cream truck that wasn't going to be "creepy."

Isabella's is definitely not creepy.

The Johnsons found an old Ford Model T on eBay and figured it would be the perfect solution—a curiosity for adults and kids alike. Dominic finished the build with reclaimed basketball flooring from McKale Center, as well as an electric motor. The final touch was a 1920s-inspired paint job, ragtime music and the perfect name—after their oldest daughter, Isabella.

Reclaimed wood wasn't the only eco-friendly addition to the truck. Global Solar Energy found out about the Johnsons' project and provided thin-film solar panels to install on the Model T's roof. SunDanzer then helped Dominic retrofit the freezer to run on solar power.

"We've been so blessed with getting lots of help through this whole process," says Kristel.

They'll probably need more help, considering their ambitious expansion plans. A second Model T is in the process of being built and retrofitted, and they've already certified and hired two drivers to operate the trucks, she says.

"We're hoping to see how many of the trucks Tucson will support, and then hopefully branch out into other areas," says Dominic. "The goal is in five years to take it outside of Arizona."

Of course, the biggest draw to Isabella's Ice Cream isn't the unique vehicle, nor is it the sustainable business model. It's the ice cream, and it's definitely worth a visit. Neither Kristel nor Dominic have any previous restaurant experience, but they knew that they wanted to create a quality product that they would be comfortable serving to their own kids, says Kristel.

"We've got a single creamery making our ice cream, and I create the flavors," she says. "There are five ingredients in my ice cream: eggs, sugar, cream, milk and the flavor, which we use only natural ingredients for. So mint has real mint in it, and peach comes from real peaches."

Isabella's has six to eight flavors on rotation at any given time, and they are definitely delicious. I tried samples of the mint chocolate chip, peach, lemon, coffee, chocolate and cinnamon flavors. The ice cream is made using the French-pot method, resulting in a rich, dense and creamy product; the 4-ounce cups are more than plenty for a sweet snack.

Kristel and Dominic also felt it was important to source sustainable materials for the ice cream packaging, using biodegradable cups, spoons and lids.

"It's been a real learning experience for us," she says. "We've joined the Tucson Clean Cities coalition, and it's been great meeting all the other vendors, even though we're kind of unique there."

Of course, Isabella's Ice Cream truck is just one unique local addition to the food-truck craze. You can check out more great trucks thanks to the Tucson Weekly's own Adam Borowitz, who has gotten in on the action by featuring the "Food Truck Diaries" series on The Range, our daily dispatch. (Click on the Chow page at TucsonWeekly.com to see all of Adam's tasty entries.)

Kristel and Dominic are now learning how to incorporate social media into their business, and are hoping to use Twitter and Facebook to broadcast their locations, like many of the high-profile food trucks in Los Angeles are doing. Dominic says they're also throwing around the idea of hooking a GPS unit to each of their trucks, so that there's a real-time feed of each truck's position on the Internet.

They say that they are hoping to have the second Tucson truck on the road by summertime, and are looking for local businesses interested in teaming up—but in the meantime, you can check their website, Twitter feed or Facebook profile to see what flavors they're dreaming up, and where they'll be dishing up their next scoops.

Here's Tucson Weekly's food truck articles (http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/ArticleArchives?tag=food%20truck)

This article's original post (http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/sustainable-scoops/Content?oid=2608851) at Tucson Weekly

[ppdd]

Can't wait to see more of these buildings popping up downtown. I crave for anything high density in Tucson - more crowds, tall buildings in close proximity etc.. I see myself living in one of the high rises, walking to work (hopefully my own company's office, i'm self employed for 10 yrs now) around the corner, french crepe for breakfast on the first floor, buy stuff on a Walmart on the second floor or groceries at a Trader Joe's on the third floor, watch a movie on an IMAX two blocks away, take a break on one of the pocket parks or visit the Rainbow Bridge science center and when I want to get away, hop in a bullet train to San Diego or Vegas for the weekend or maybe hop in the light rail to the airport for a long trip to France or just visit Mt. Lemon via air tram...a dream that might turn to reality.

I'm pretty sure that much of that pdf drawing was left behind long ago, or it's a vague concept rendering - not sure. But I'm happy to see progress.

For those curious, updated images of the Unisource building were posted to the Downtown Partnership facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=359663391922&id=283507751922&aid=163030

[acatalanb]

I added more photos in the Tucson photo thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=188659) .

[acatalanb]

A Neighborhood Stroll
Get to Know Tucson Through Its 17 Historic Districts
by Margaret Regan
photography by Terrence Moore


Newcomers might be forgiven for thinking that Tucson is brand-new, what with home developments sprouting up on every edge of the city. But in fact, the Old Pueblo boasts 17 National Historic District neighborhoods. These charming districts chronicle a long stretch of the city's history, starting with the 19th century downtown barrios of old Mexican times and continuing up to plush mid-20th-century developments with open desert landscaping. In between Tucsonans built Victorian-age railroad neighborhoods and turn-of-the-century bungalow districts fringing the University of Arizona. There's even a neighborhood with the feel of rural Mexico.

El Presidio boasts of being Tucson's oldest neighborhood. It was here that the Irish mercenary Hugo O'Conor established a presidio, or fort, in 1775 to help the Spanish ward off Apaches on this far northern frontier of New Spain. The fort is long gone, but 19th-century Mexican adobe row houses still dominate several of the neighborhood's blocks. Located just north of the downtown government center, El Presidio has 80 contributing properties on 12 blocks, most dating from the mid-19th century to 1912, the year of statehood. Transformed adobes—later residents added pitched roofs and front porches—and craftsman houses share streets with law offices and brand-new row houses constructed in a traditional style.

Barrio Histórico, south of the government and convention centers, is a remnant of the old Mexican barrio that once lay outside the presidio walls. (Barrio Libre, or free zone, is a name for one portion of the district.) Classic Sonoran adobe row houses, in a rainbow of colors, front the streets. Dating from the mid to late 1800s, the houses also include transformed Sonorans and red-brick Queen Annes. About 225 contributing properties enliven 20 blocks, where new construction is also underway.

Located several miles east of the city center along the Rillito River and Pantano Wash, the lush floodplain of Fort Lowell made an ideal dwelling place for Hohokam Indians from about AD 300 to 1250. The US Army built a fort here in 1873 after the city begged the military to move its rowdy soldiers away from their downtown quarters. But the fort was short-lived. In 1891, after the end of the Indian wars, the army abandoned it. Mexican farming families took over the buildings and constructed more adobes of their own, creating a new village called El Fuerte. Mormon farmers came along too. Today the adobes sitting haphazardly amidst the mesquite trees retain a rural Mexican feel. Thirty contributing properties share the 150 acres with new luxury houses.

Back downtown, Armory Park sprouted east of the abandoned military plaza, on what's now 6th Avenue. Once the railroad rolled into town in 1880, the neighborhood, just south of the tracks, became home to railroad executives and workers. Loaded up with glass, wood, and all manner of non-local building materials, the trains helped transform Tucson's architecture. Executives built East Coast-style red-brick houses with pitched roofs, porches, and front yards on the main streets; the workers lived in modest homes close together along the alleys. Some 450 contributing properties occupy 30 blocks, most of them built between 1880 and 1920. A new development at the east end emulates the historic styles.

West University, sandwiched between downtown and the university, sprawled from Speedway Boulevard to 6th Street as Tucson's first suburb. The University of Arizona began in 1885 on a plot of land then considered way out of town; houses for the middle and upper middle classes began popping up just west of the new college between 1890 and 1930. West University has a few transformed Sonoran adobes, but the majority of the houses are appealing California bungalows in wood, or stuccoed brick houses with pitched roofs. Sidewalks, front porches, and tidy front yards filled with flowers dress up the neighborhood. Sixty blocks strong, this large district features 600 contributing houses, as well as the pedestrian-friendly Fourth Avenue Shopping District.

North of West University lies the more modest Feldman's Addition, located north of Speedway Boulevard and west of Park Avenue. Built in the first three decades of the 20th century, Feldman's cottages include wooden-floored bungalows, Spanish Colonial stuccos, and craftsman houses. The narrow, deep lots nowadays are home to some 355 contributing properties, but the long yards have allowed many student rentals to go up out back. St. Luke's in the Desert in the middle of the neighborhood was once one of Tucson's many sanitariums for tuberculosis patients—it's now a retirement home.

Closer to downtown, just east of 4th Avenue and north of the tracks, sits Iron Horse Historic District, another railroad neighborhood. Built from about 1890 to 1908, Iron Horse has always been a mix of rentals and small houses in assorted styles from Sonoran adobe to Queen Anne. The Southern Pacific rail employees who once lived here had to obey the “one mile rule”—the train company required them to live close enough to hear the whistle blow, calling them into work. Nowadays there are 178 contributing properties.

East of Iron Horse, in between Euclid and Park Avenues, lie the nine small blocks of Pie Allen, named for an early Tucson merchant. Railroad workers also lived here north of the tracks, in small houses built between 1880 and 1936. At one time they made up 60% of the neighborhood's population. The remaining historic houses, tucked between student apartment complexes, tend toward the usual period mix of adobe Sonoran transitionals, Queen Annes, and bungalows.

John Spring has always enjoyed ethnic diversity. Located west of Stone Avenue just north of downtown, it was home to Yaqui Indians, Mexicans, Chinese, and African-Americans by 1900. After Tucson opened its segregated elementary school here in 1917, the neighborhood attracted numerous middle-class black families. Constructed mostly between 1896 and 1917, the neighborhood has a mix of modest adobes and more elaborate brick houses. Today the old school is being renovated as a museum and cultural center.

Sam Hughes, the sought-after tree-lined neighborhood east of the university, began life around 1918 with residences for tourists. Houses in an appealing combination of styles continued to be built up to about 1953. The eclectic mix of 1,226 contributing properties includes the popular mission revival, inspired by California churches, and pueblo revival, a reworking of Indian dwellings, as well as craftsman, international, and ranch. Historic Sam Hughes Elementary, 23.6-acre Himmel Park, a library, a public swimming pool, and the retail stores and cafés of 6th Street are in the heart of the neighborhood.

El Encanto Estates, east of Country Club Road and north of Broadway Boulevard, is an upscale neighborhood developed between 1928 and 1941. Deliberately designed to attract wealthy residents, particularly from the East, El Encanto has a formal symmetrical pattern of curving streets and romantic houses meant to evoke the Southwest. Deed restrictions limited the styles to large Spanish Colonial and pueblo revival houses, and called for spacious lots with lush landscaping. Palm trees abound. Fifty-three of the neighborhood's 145 single-family houses are contributing properties.

South of El Encanto, Colonia Solana went up between 1928 and 1949. Like its neighbor to the north, Colonia Solana was always intended to attract the rich. But unlike El Encanto, full of green lawns and exotic flowers, Colonia Solana has only native desert plants. Its irregular, curvilinear streets follow the contours of the desert and washes. Some modern and ranch houses mix in with the neo-classical revival homes and Spanish Colonial revivals. The district has 53 contributing properties.

El Montevideo is a small slice tucked between El Con Mall and Alvernon Road. Built primarily from 1930 to 1945, its 43 contributing houses run the gamut from Spanish Colonial revival to ranch to modern. Famed architect Josias Joesler designed several Montevideo homes. Lots of desert cactus line the quiet streets.

Indian House is another tiny neighborhood, close to another mall. North of busy Park Place on East Broadway Boulevard, Indian House stands as a hidden remnant of Tucson's desert past. Dirt roads meander between large lots filled with undisturbed creosote and cactus. Its five or six houses were constructed in the 1930s, drawing on Sonoran ranch and pueblo styles. Its most famous resident, McCune says, was pianist Van Cliburn.

Catalina Vista got its start as early as 1924, but it already took the automobile into account. Located in midtown, south of Grant Road and east of Campbell Avenue, this neighborhood of wide curving streets and generous lots is designed to accommodate both people and cars. But it also subscribes to City Beautiful planning principles: small parks, landscaped medians, and traffic roundabouts. The 274 contributing properties, dating from 1924 to 1962, represent a variety of historic revival styles, as well as classic American red-brick ranch and art moderne. Famous resident Margaret Sanger had her house designed by leading Tucson modernist Arthur Brown.

Blenman-Elm is one of Tucson's most recently designated historic neighborhoods. West of Country Club Road and north of Speedway Boulevard, the large district of 900 contributing houses dates from the 1920s to the 1950s. Its houses range from Spanish Colonial revival to brick ranch. Even as one of the newest historic districts, Blenman-Elm's best traits hearken back to some of the oldest. Arranged in a grid pattern, Blenman-Elm has landscaped front yards, houses set back a short, friendly distance from the street, and sidewalks that encourage walking and camaraderie among the neighbors.

Designated in February 2005, San Clemente shines as Tucson's “newest” historic neighborhood. Bounded by Broadway Boulevard on the north and Alvernon Way on the west, the neighborhood consists of 225 contributing properties ranging in style from Spanish Colonial revival to Sonoran ranch. The neighborhood, which began being built in the 1920s, really boomed in the 40s and 50s once the Depression subsided. Like its neighbor to the west, Colonia Solana, the district sports a combination of curvilinear and grid-patterned streets that help slow traffic and foster community spirit.

Award-winning journalist Margaret Regan frequently writes about Tucson's architectural history.

Original link here (http://www.tucsonnewcomer.com/features/historic.html) .

[acatalanb]

Committee develops map/guide to historic districts

Mariana Alvarado Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Sunday, December 19, 2010 12:00 am

The Old Pueblo will soon have a new map and guide of historic neighborhoods and sites, thanks to the grass-roots efforts of a committee made up of neighbors and organizations.

The committee is developing a free map and guide with information about more than two dozen historic neighborhoods, sites and landmarks in Tucson.

"Some of them are not a neighborhood, per se, but it's a historic district," said Alan Myklebust, from the Blenman-Elm Neighborhood Association.

The Tucson Historic Map/Guide will be printed in the spring and distributed in places such as resorts, airports, shops, museums and galleries.

Members of the committee started meeting last May after they came across a historic neighborhood map and guide from the Phoenix area, Myklebust said. Soon, most of the historic neighborhood associations joined the project.

Now each association is writing a description for the guide about its own historic structures, home styles, famous people and events - anything interesting and unique to the area.

Most historic neighborhoods here surround the University of Arizona and downtown, said Myklebust. Some of the more well-known are El Presidio, Armory Park, Iron Horse and Sam Hughes.

To ensure the accuracy of the information, a core committee led by Jonathan Mabry and Jennifer Burdick, with the Tucson Historic Preservation Office, is working on the content.

Brooks Jeffery, an expert in preservation and director of the Drachman Institute in the UA College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, has agreed to write the guide's introduction.

"There isn't a map/guide product like this. … We found some maps and guides, but they generally aren't about the historic aspects of Tucson and the neighborhoods," Myklebust said.

The project is strictly a nonprofit venture, he said, and may serve as a springboard for starting a historic neighborhoods coalition.

As an artist and resident of a historic neighborhood, Erika Parrino said it's important to take pride in the many preserved old homes in Tucson.

"A lot of cities don't have that, and the variety here is wonderful," said Parrino, who's completed most of the 20 drawings for the guide.

Parrino moved from San Francisco to Tucson two years ago and lives in the Blenman-Elm neighborhood.

She said getting involved with the project has helped her become familiar with the community.

The committee is considering producing a website with additional information. For now it plans to print 25,000 copies of the guide. UA Healthcare is paying for the printing.

"Each of the neighborhoods has its unique, interesting historic aspect … and that's what this project is all about," Myklebust said.

Contact reporter Mariana Alvarado at 573-4597 or malvarado@azstarnet.com

[acatalanb]

:previous: Didn't know all these districts after more than 20 years living in the Old Pueblo. In addition to building modern high rises, it would be nice to have some 'radical' architecture within these districts much like Gaudi's (http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Casa_Mila.html) .

Tucson should have a non-profit corporation focused on buying property in these districts and renovating or building from scratch such bold radical structures. And maybe seek funds to build the $300 million+ ( bigger taller more expensive ) version of the UA Science Center Rainbow Bridge.

One or two towers of something similar to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia (http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Sagrada_Familia.html) in place of the Bank of America building downtown or the Joel Valdez library would be nice or radical and call it maybe 'Torre Socialista de Tucson' ( Socialist Tower of Tucson ) .

Here's a list of great buildings (http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings.html) .

Wiki of Architectural Styles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_style) .

[acatalanb]

Letcher, developer signed deal before seeking formal approval

Council OK to be asked on land flip

Rob O'Dell Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 12:00 am

The City Council was poised to vote today on a controversial land deal for a west-side developer - except City Manager Mike Letcher quietly signed the deal in late January.

The council was to have voted on extending an agreement with the Gadsden Co., giving the developer more time to buy a 1.5 acre city-owned property for $250,000 and immediately sell it for $1.43 million.

Letcher said in October that he would bring any change to Gadsden's agreement back before the council for approval. However, in late January he signed an extension drafted by Gadsden extending the deal until May.

He was unavailable for comment last week, but his assistant, Sean McBride, said that, despite Letcher's earlier commitment, he went ahead with the agreement because in early 2010 the council gave the manager's office the authority to make necessary updates.

McBride said the manager's office signed the deal in January because it's "in the best interest" of taxpayers and the city to move forward.

So now, today the council will be asked to sign an agreement further binding the city to a deal between Gadsden and Chicago-based Senior Housing Group LLC, which will use federal tax credits to build a 143-unit affordable-housing project on land south of West Congress Street, just west of the Santa Cruz River. The 1.5 acres is part of 14 acres Gadsden had a deal to buy from the city.

City Attorney Mike Rankin said entering into the agreement - called a joinder - with both parties gives the city more assurance that the project will be built because it calls for Senior Housing Group to take over Gadsden's responsibilities if Gadsden can't make good on its requirements.

Even if the city doesn't sign on, Rankin said it wouldn't scuttle the agreement allowing Gadsden to flip the property. Rankin said the new version of the deal requires Gadsden to pay $250,000 for the land, to put up a $250,000 performance bond once the deal closes, and to complete the relocation of a reclaimed-water line and utility work there.

The water line and the utility work could total $500,000, Rankin said, and the deal calls for that $500,000 to be held back in an post-closing escrow account and not released until Gadsden starts building the improvements on site.

If Gadsden does not make good on its portion of the agreement, all of its rights regarding the project will be transferred to the Senior Housing Group, and the remaining three phases of Gadsden's development deal will be nullified, Rankin said.

Gadsden partners Jerry Dixon and Adam Weinstein said they have upheld their obligations. Weinstein said they "are absolutely on track for a successful closing."

The two said they have plans for mixed-use development of office and retail space and housing along West Congress Street in the next phase of the project.

Part of Gadsden's master agreement for the 14-acre entire site is to put $3 million toward the cost of building the modern-streetcar tracks. Dixon and Weinstein said they will pay for the streetcar after the four phases of the project are complete, which might not be until 2015.

The modern streetcar is expected to be operational by late 2013, so Gadsden would actually pay the city for the streetcar after it's up and running. The city does not yet have commitments for the full $196 million cost of construction.

City officials said they can accept payment after the streetcar is built, but said they will require some type of security or bond to make sure it's paid. City spokesman Michael Graham said the payment is due sooner than Gadsden contends.

Council members Regina Romero and Karin Uhlich and Mayor Bob Walkup have already said they strongly support the Gadsden deal. Councilwoman Shirley Scott joined that group in the past week, saying she received a letter from Gadsden's attorney, Larry Hecker, that details the $1.5 million Gadsden said it put into the project. "I think that speaks well for this group," Scott said, adding Gadsden is not asking for any special treatment.

But Councilman Steve Kozachik said the agreement is another example of a bad development agreement written by the city, using an expletive to describe it. The city isn't standing up for its rights, he said.

"These guys have been working city staff. I'm tired of it. Enough is enough," Kozachik said.

No more development deals like Gadsden's should be allowed, he said, adding that Gadsden should be forced out if it doesn't comply with the new terms. He said all the money from the flip needs to be put back into the west side.

He'll be happy when "every penny from this project goes back into the project and not into their pockets," Kozachik said. "They should get nothing from this flip."

Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at 573-4346 or rodell@azstarnet.com

[acatalanb]

Controversial flip is advanced on a unanimous vote

Council approves deal for senior housing

Rob O'Dell Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 12:00 am

A controversial land flip allowing the Gadsden Co. to buy a property and immediately flip it to a senior housing developer was approved 6-0 by the City Council on Tuesday.

The council approved an agreement to further bind the city to a deal between Gadsden and Chicago-based Senior Housing Group LLC, which will use federal tax credits to build a 143-unit affordable-housing project on land south of West Congress Street, just west of the Santa Cruz River.

Gadsden, if it can move a reclaimed water line on the site by April, it will buy a 1.5 acre city-owned property for $250,000 and immediately sell it to Senior Housing for $1.43 million. It will use $500,000 of the proceeds from the sale to meet its infrastructure requirements and take another $250,000 to post a performance bond to ensure continued development on the site.

In addition to the flip, Gadsden will get credit for the water-line work - part of the reason its purchase price is only $250,000 - and then also will get credit for the water line in a later portion of project where Gadsden was supposed to make improvements to the Santa Cruz River Park.

Although the council gave the OK for the land flip to Gadsden, it will take several months for the city to negotiate a development agreement with Gadsden for the rest of the 14 acres on the west side, which Gadsden won the right to buy and develop in a competitive process.

The city's agreement with Gadsden was to have expired on March 31, but City Manager Mike Letcher quietly extended the agreement in January. At the meeting Tuesday, Letcher said, "I didn't overstep my authority as city manager on this project. I didn't in any way do a deal that allows for the transfer of the property."

However, Letcher's action did prevent the council from letting the development expire if it had been so inclined.

Councilman Steve Kozachik who was harshly critical of the deal, voted for it. He was particularly disturbed that Gadsden seems to get multiple credits for moving the water line.

"Isn't it a bit disingenuous to say they are bearing the full cost when they are getting credit for it?" Kozachik said.

City Attorney Mike Rankin said Gadsden had been asking for the city to pay the cost of moving the water line. Rankin also said if Gadsden does not make good on its portion of the agreement, all of its rights regarding the project will be transferred to the Senior Housing Group, and the remaining three phases of Gadsden's development deal will be nullified.

Councilman Paul Cunningham also had questions about the deal, despite voting for it. He said he wanted to make sure the project would be finished and not left vacant. "We've been burned so many times in the past five years," Cunningham said.

Several council members said the deal was confusing, complex and hard to follow.

Councilwoman Regina Romero was quick to defend the deal to critics. She said the area used to be a landfill - although it's uncertain the landfill ever came that far north - and said the competitive process called for incentives and credits.

"It is a project that has been maligned," Romero said. "Because of misinformation, it has been vilified. I just want to remind the community of the real story."

Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at 573-4346 or rodell@azstarnet.com

More AZ Star Article about this Senior Housing Project dated Oct. 19, 2010 (http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/article_f2d270cb-c9fc-5fd8-b1b2-39ef273fea06.html)

[acatalanb]

:previous: So from what I understand, the old Armory Park Apts Senior Housing Project will be moved to I-10 West after the city of Tucson sells Gadsden Developers 250K worth of west side city property and shortly thereafter, Gadsden Developers will sell that same property for 1.43 million to Senior Housing Group LLC to build that housing project. Gadsden in return must fullfill their previous agreement of building mixed used building(s) besides this senior housing project otherwise the three phases of Gadsden's development deal will be nullified.

This is the Senior Housing that is going to be built west of I-10 downtown
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5552391389_2e547170ae.jpg

Gadsden mixed used development west of I-10 downtown that may be built per agreement with the city
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5552391377_30650924e9_z.jpg

I think this old senior housing project will be demolish and possibly replaced with new student housing?- Armory Park Apartments at 211 S. Fifth St. ( Google map (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&cp=43&qe=QXJtb3J5IFBhcmsgQXBhcnRtZW50cyBhdCAyMTEgUy4gRmlmdGggU3QuIA&qesig=_6RP15-KksLtt4blwQCz0Q&pkc=AFgZ2tmfn9lFRBUAcIcvst1usvUtfKfoaSfcop4BkZWFgbKmjQPwnj5yxbc_6G24mZri4eCPcH6SwkE9KW3cMN1DczzprjsRmw&safe=off&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Armory+Park+Apartments+at+211+S.+Fifth+St.&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Armory+Park+Apartments+at+211+S.+Fifth+St.&hnear=Tucson,+AZ&cid=0,0,6655707399046197634&ei=aeOJTcHwLIT0swOBocn9Cw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBkQnwIwAA) ) ...btw, it's a horrible looking building and I'm glad it will be destroyed. It's also nice to see a 4-5 story building that WILL BE built on the west side....just build something tall in that area! Hopefully, that will build momentum for further 'high rises' in the west side. They got some old motels in that area, maybe those can be candidates for new high rises. Let me see if I can post some photos from the west side and post it in this forum.

A bit of a background (as far as I know), downtown Tucson is split in two by the I-10 freeway. The west-side of I-10 used to be a landfill. Now it's being turned into a museum district along with housing and business development. The bid to develop in four phases 14 acres of the housing/business development part is won by Gadsden Co. Phase one is partly finished having developed way expensive housing ( 3br/2bath/2K sq ft for $600K-$800K ). And I think a handful of acres of this phase 1 is being sold by Gadsden to anyone who wants to continue developing houses.

[acatalanb]

Discover downtown dining

Valerie Vinyard Vvinyard@azstarnet.com | Posted: Thursday, March 24, 2011 12:00 am

Check out our guide to eating your way through downtown. We point out whether restaurants serve breakfast, lunch or dinner; offer outdoor dining or entertainment; if they accept reservations; serve alcohol; and what days they're open.

We sorted them by very general categories, including a catch-all "Kitchen Sink."

Towering construction cranes and buzzworthy restaurants. Tucson's downtown has plenty of both these days.

"You know you're starting to get urbanized when you can leave work and pick up Ethiopian takeout and go home and watch the UA game," said Michael Keith, CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership and former downtown historic developer.

The construction of multistory parking garages and housing near the east end of Congress Street, along with the UniSource Energy Corp.'s headquarters building at 88 E. Broadway, create an urban feel that the culinary scene feeds into.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of the downtown dining scene and opening a restaurant that has not been done anywhere in the world," said Redman Jarrell, who chose to open V Fine Thai Dining downtown with his wife, Vila Jarrell, to be a part of the area's revitalization.

The couple owns Vila Thai Cuisine near the University of Arizona, and plans to keep it running along with the venture at 20 N. Stone Ave., which is slated to open in the next month or so.

"I'm deconstructing Thai food. I'm taking the flavors of Thailand and presenting them in a manner that Americans are accustomed to," he said.

Most of the 40-plus restaurants located within the downtown partnership's borders are locally owned and one-of-a-kind.

Of those, 17 have opened or expanded within the past 30 months. At least seven others, such as Casa Marita Restaurante Argentino, an Argentine-style barbecue restaurant in the Mercado San Agustin, are poised to launch.

"We're seeing a lot of homegrown startups - they like the energy that's happening downtown," said Keith, who lives in Barrio Viejo. "The entire downtown is undergoing this almost miraculous surge that's being led by the restaurant sector.

"I think three years from now, a lot of people are going to be quietly coming back to downtown."

At least seven restaurants are planned for the near future, including Borderlands Brewing Co., La Estrella Bakery and Sparkroot.

:dancingtacoAnd a Trader Joe's-type market could open downtown in the next year :fireworks,

Keith said.

On a typical Saturday night, Tucson's downtown remains relatively quiet, especially for a city that boasts about 500,000 residents in its city limits and nearly 1 million in the Tucson metro area.

But there are signs of change. Stroll down Congress Street there are 10 or so restaurants that remain open into the night.

"This is not what we expected," said Jack Handle, a 63-year-old engineer from the Los Angeles area who was walking down Congress with his son, Andrew, one recent morning. They had just enjoyed a coffee and croissant at Caffé Milano. "We didn't think there would be so much to do and see here."

They'd been in town for a couple days and were looking forward to lunch at The Little Cafe Poca Cosa, the less-often talked about but still notable Mexican restaurant run by Sandra Davila and Marcela Davila.

The Davilas are sisters to Suzana Davila, chef and owner of downtown's venerable Cafe Poca Cosa, which long has been regarded as a downtown jewel.

Cafe Poca Cosa is known for changing its menu twice a day and featuring dishes not found at any other Mexican restaurant. Her Plato Poca Cosa - $15 at lunch, $25 at dinner - is chef's choice of three of the day's entrees.

Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery, a newcomer to the downtown's dining scene, unveiled an eclectic recipe of craft beers, keg wines, new American comfort food and house-made ice cream when it opened Feb. 13.

Owner Kade Mislinski said Hub served 12,000 meals in its first month. "We're averaging 3,000 a week," said Mislinski, whose new restaurant can seat 150.

"I think as we get more and more variety downtown, we're going to be more of a destination spot," said Mislinski, 36. "I'm finding we're part of the downtown experience.

"I'm excited - throughout one day, I'll have 19 different demographics. You'll have the suits at lunch, the mom and kids groups after and then the happy hour crowd."

Carlo Borella has owned Caffé Milano for 12 years and has noticed ever-increasing crowds on Fridays and Saturdays. But echoing a sentiment shared by other restaurateurs, he sees a need for a boost by adding a sports arena and maybe a boutique hotel to the area.

"Nice places have opened downtown - there is a little bit for everybody," the Italian native said. "It would be nice also to have people moving downtown to support the businesses, so it's not just busy on weekends."

No travel guide to Tucson would be complete without a mention of a real long-timer, El Charro Cafe. The downtown branch of the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the nation first opened in 1922 on Fourth Avenue and moved to the Temple of Music and Art a few years later before moving to what's now La Placita in 1932 or 1933. In 1968, the restaurant moved into its current location, an 1896 home built by the family at 311 N. Court Ave.

"We love all the synergy down there," said Ray Flores Jr., 42-year-old president of El Charro Cafe. "We've been fighting the life and death cycle of downtown longer than anybody. We want to see it prosper."

Original article with list of downtown restaurants (http://azstarnet.com/entertainment/dining/article_50352dff-e73d-51eb-98e8-f2a2d1751e2c.html)

How about adding a big box corporate retailer downtown ? (http://www.npr.org/2010/12/21/132231472/big-box-retailers-move-to-smaller-stores-in-cities)

[acatalanb]

Hey folks, I just emailed some people at city hall to add a biosphere enclosure laced with glass solar panels (http://solarpanelspower.net/solar-panels/solar-panel-glass) over the mission gardens and convento. That project could double as a biosphere park and museum (and energy source). Federal funds, entrance fees and credit from solar energy could pay for the project. I googled, there's even a stained glass solar panel (http://www.goodcleantech.com/2007/10/university_of_british_columbia.php).

UK's Eden Project (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Project) and Chicago's Hydrogenerator (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=12687) are links I sent as example .

Hope I get a response.

[kaneui]

This is the Senior Housing that is going to be built west of I-10 downtown
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5552391389_2e547170ae.jpg




The above render is actually for a boutique hotel planned for the SW corner of Avenida del Convento and Cushing St. (parcel C) in the new Mission District. The render below is for the senior housing project to be built on parcel G along Congress St., just west of the Santa Cruz River:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/missiondistrictsiteplan-001.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/MissionDistrictlow-incomehousingrender.jpg
(site plan: City of Tucson: photo: The Gadsden Co.)

The complex will also be six stories like the senior MLK Apartments on downtown's east end, but have over twice the number of units (143). The streetcar will travel up Avenida del Convento (on the far left of the site plan), then go east on Congress and return down Linda Ave., the street bisecting the 14-acre Mission District.

[acatalanb]

Kaneui , thanks for the correction :previous:

well dudes, looks like my idea for a biosphere solar paneled convento is being 'reviewed' . if the idea is realistic and has ways to fund it , they listen.

Anyway, this would be a nice boutique hotel (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=16199)

This would also be a nice concept (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=16192) for one of our pocket parks.

[acatalanb]

Road runner: Some questions about recently OK'd rail plan

Andrea Kelly Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Monday, March 28, 2011 12:00 am

When the State Transportation Board approved a statewide rail plan this month, it cleared a big hurdle in the quest to get passenger rail service between Tucson and Phoenix.

Now, the questions.

• Do we need it?

The state can't keep widening Interstate 10 into oblivion, and we haven't found many other ways to get to Phoenix.

• How do we make it work?

The proper infrastructure needs to be in place on both ends of a rail system before anyone can consider using it. The price needs to be low enough to get people to use the system and high enough to cover as much of the costs as possible to avoid subsidy.

• Who would use the system?

Commuters, who would need transit to their workplaces when they get to the connecting city. Recreationists spending a weekend away from home. If you ride the rail up to go to spring training, you've got to have a reliable way to get to the stadium once you hit Phoenix. Travelers looking for a better fare or better route from Sky Harbor than from Tucson International Airport. They would need a park-and-ride here.

The need for good transit on both ends of a Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail system isn't a nonstarter - it just needs to be part of the planning process from beginning to end.

The board's approval of a rail plan allows transportation planners to form a more specific freight and passenger rail future here, and also means we're eligible for the necessary federal funding for such a rail project, said Serena Unrein, with the Arizona Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG, Education Fund.

"Without having this in place, it (federal funding) wouldn't move forward, and federal funding is a pretty crucial element to being able to build passenger rail here," she said.

Looks like the state is really aiming for a bullet train between Phoenix and Tucson. A good sign Arizona wants a high speed railway project. Wisconsin and Florida rejected their high speed railway project. Might as well grab that 'excess' high speed railway fund before it goes to Cali (they'd take it).

[HooverDam]

^Slight point of correction, the link between PHX and Tucson wouldn't be a "bullet" train, it would likely travel at sub 100 MPH speeds. Check the PHX transportation developments thread for more on the topic.

[acatalanb]

^Slight point of correction, the link between PHX and Tucson wouldn't be a "bullet" train, it would likely travel at sub 100 MPH speeds. Check the PHX transportation developments thread for more on the topic.

Sad. And thanks for the correction. :tantrum:

Well, if the "high speed" train gets implemented (regardless of speed), at least I won't have to worry about being killed while driving in that 'Highway of Death' between Phx/Tucson I-10.

[acatalanb]

Rail plan lacks financing blueprint

Associated Press | Posted: Monday, March 28, 2011 11:23 am

A state transportation panel has approved Arizona's first comprehensive rail plan for building a passenger rail network. What's lacking is how to pay for it.

The Arizona Republic reports the 139-page plan proposes building billions of dollars' worth of rail links and improvements to passenger and freight networks.

It did not identify a source of money and none of the listed projects has been studied in detail.

Arizona Department of Transportation planners recommend linking by rail Phoenix with its suburbs, neighboring cities and an intercity system connecting Phoenix and Tucson.

To date, none of Arizona's proposed rail improvements has moved beyond preliminary planning stages.

[acatalanb]

btw, driving from broadway rd approaching downtown, the new TEP headquarters is looking good!

[ComplotDesigner]

btw, driving from broadway rd approaching downtown, the new TEP headquarters is looking good!

Oh yeah, planing on taking pictures for a new update (also Plaza Centro Garage)... but midterms are keeping me busy now!

[acatalanb]

Oh yeah, planing on taking pictures for a new update (also Plaza Centro Garage)... but midterms are keeping me busy now!

Take your time my friend. That photo shot is reserved for you.

[acatalanb]

Electric company to lease rooftops in Tucson

Associated Press - March 29, 2011 6:24 AM ET

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The roof tops on some public buildings in Tucson will soon be generating electricity.

Tucson Electric Power officials say they will build solar power grids on top of some roofs as part of their new Bright Roofs program.

Energy company officials say the program gives public agencies, including local schools, a chance to put their unused rooftops to good use by generating both clean energy for the community and lease payments that can help support education and other public sources.

Eligible buildings must have at least 50,000 square-feet of flat roof space and enough room for a solar generating system that can produce about 250 kilowatts.

TEP estimates the program will help generate power for more than 1,800 Tucson homes.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[acatalanb]

TUSD may lease rooftops for solar-power systems

Alexis Huicochea Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:00 am

As school districts struggle with budget cuts, one local company is offering up a solution that may bring a little relief.

Tucson Electric Power Co. is looking to lease space atop schools and other public facilities to develop new grid-connected solar-power systems.

The solar arrays not only would help serve a growing demand for renewable power throughout the community, but also help participating schools conserve energy and generate additional dollars simply by loaning out their rooftops.

Tucson Electric Power declined to say how much it is willing to pay for rooftop space, saying each agreement may come with different terms.

Thus far, no school districts have signed up to take part in the program, but the Tucson Unified School District is considering a proposal to outfit six of its high schools with the solar roof tile systems.

"We are definitely investigating several ways to utilize our building to support solar energy generation," said Candy Egbert, TUSD's interim chief operations officer. "The Bright Roofs program is one that we are looking at. It meets a lot of our learning and community partnership goals."

Ten of TUSD's high schools meet the program's criteria of having at least 50,000 square feet of flat rooftop space.

One high school with 200,000 square feet could generate enough power to serve 170 homes.

The Bright Roofs program has also grabbed the attention of the Vail School District, which has already undertaken some solar energy projects, said Al Flores, director of facilities and transportation.

"We are aware of the program and we're hoping to speak with TEP to see what it entails," Flores said.

All of Vail's 17 schools would meet the square footage requirement, Flores said.

Generating sustainable power from the sun is appealing in itself, Flores said. But equally important is saving money on utilities and putting that revenue back into the classrooms.

The Sunnyside Unified School District - Tucson's second-largest district - has only one school with enough rooftop space. It's not considering the program at this time, officials say, but is looking at other solar-related options.

The energy generated through Bright Roofs will be available to TEP customers through the company's Bright Tucson Community Solar program.

Participating customers can purchase 150 kilowatt-hour blocks of solar energy, offsetting an equivalent amount of conventional power at a price that adds $3 apiece to their monthly bills.

Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.

[acatalanb]

Seniors' housing project good idea but lacks details

Posted: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:00 am

If you're confused by a development deal on the West Side that involves the city of Tucson, Gadsden Co., Chicago-based Senior Housing Group LLC, and the federal and state governments, then you're not alone. That's just one reason City Manager Mike Letcher must avoid adding to the confusion.

Under the agreement, Senior Housing will use $28.5 million in federal tax credits to build a 143-unit affordable-housing project for seniors on land south of West Congress Street, just west of the Santa Cruz River. But first, Senior Housing must buy the 1.5-acre site from Gadsden, which holds development rights to the property under a 2008 agreement with the city, which now owns the land.

The full Gadsden deal, which involves about 14 city-owned acres on West Congress is "tortuously convoluted," says Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik. So is the Senior Housing piece.

But Letcher added more mud to already muddy waters by approving the deal, and then failing to reveal changes in it in a timely, transparent way.

Letcher did nothing illegal or improper when he agreed in January to extend a deadline on closing the Gadsden-Senior Housing deal from March 31until May 16.

We won't quibble with Letcher's decision - all the parties involved supported the postponement for what appear to be legitimate reasons, and the City Council had authorized him to make some decisions to advance the deal. Further, the City Council endorsed the new deadline last week in an open session.

Nor are we going to examine in depth at this time whether the deal is as optimal as it might be for taxpayers. The land sale and transfer of the 1.5 acres won't come before the Council until May 16; look for more detailed analysis from us before then.

But meanwhile, the city must do a better job of reassuring the public that everything in this deal is above board, especially given all the confusion about who would be paying for what, earning what, buying what and selling what - and when.

Further, because so many of the city's development deals have gone awry - that vacant lot on East Congress Street that was supposed to be a condominium complex is just one example of many - the city must be upfront and open about all ongoing and future deals.

As for the Gadsden-Senior Housing deal, several major elements must be resolved to meet the May 16 deadline. If any are stalled, the public should be informed immediately, before any further postponements are even on the table.

Steven Greenbaum, president of Senior Housing, told us Tuesday that there's very little wiggle room in the May 16 deadline.

Senior Housing can't claim $28.5 million in federal housing credits that it's using to leverage the project unless the apartment building is completed and occupied by qualified residents at the end of 2012, he said. The deal can't close unless Senior Housing knows it can finish the work in time.

Here are a few of the key elements that must be resolved before closing:

• Gadsden must finish moving a wastewater line on the property. Partner Adam Weinstein told us Tuesday the $300,000 job is on schedule: "There are two crews out there today," he said. "One hundred feet of pipe is laid and … (crews are) intending to finish by Monday" so they can test the new line and shut down the old one.

• Tucson has to remove the site from a flood plain designation. That will require an OK from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but whether FEMA will act in time for the May 16 deadline is unknown.

• Greenbaum said Senior Housing also can't close unless the city and Gadsden, master developer of the property, have gathered all the necessary permits. That means "sewer, electric, water, roads … all the permits need to be issued," he said.

We strongly support the ultimate goals of the Gadsden-Senior Housing-City deal: modern, new units of subsidized senior housing for the residents of the 37-year-old Armory Park Apartment building downtown; new construction on our dust bowl on West Congress; jobs, sales-tax revenues and other economic stimuli that would flow from such a project.

Like the public, however, we want more details about how the deal pencils out before a decision is made May 16. And like the public, we want to know what's going on among those charged with safeguarding the taxpayers' interests in the meantime.

Arizona Daily Star

[Anqrew]

Eat-a-Burger, Opening Summer 2011, in the Pioneer Building Downtown Tucson

Tucson, AZ, March 30, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Announcing Eat-a-Burger, downtown Tucson's latest restaurant addition. The restaurant is slated to open July / August 2011. It will be located within the historic Pioneer building lobby at 100 N. Stone Ave. Suite #102, directly next to Ike’s Coffee and Tea in Tucson, Arizona.

The investment into creating a 40+ seat burger joint is a big step for Eat-a-Burger co-owners Jass K. and Sin W. For the last year, they have been operating a food truck set-up directly across the street of their new location. There they have braved the scorching summer heat and unprecedented freezing weather. Serving outdoors definitely has its pro and cons. But the duo is going against the grain with the current trend of restaurant owners closing shop and embarking into the mobile food industry. “We’ve been very fortunate with the support and response that we have had from Tucson and particularly downtown.” Jass continues, “Downtown is very sensitive and supportive of small locally owned businesses, and we are appreciative that they have made it possible for us to grow and progress into a restaurant and the opportunity to contribute to its revitalization.”

Upon opening this new restaurant, the couple’s endeavor will be the latest in the recent stream of restaurant revitalizations happening downtown. Eat-a-Burger will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Eat-a-Burger is committed to providing quality food at an affordable price. Burgers are the stars of the menu which are hand-shaped, seasoned to perfection, and never frozen. The restaurant will also offer hand-dipped and spun shakes as well as a wide variety of side food like fries and onion rings. There will also be a small breakfast menu, and classic lunch favorites like grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Call ahead seating for dinner service will be available; most major credit/debit cards are accepted.

About Eat-a-Burger:
Eat-a-Burger is a fast casual restaurant serving burgers, fries and shakes. It’s committed to creating and serving creative culinary experiences that inspire burger aficionados through compelling and engaging food within a warm welcoming atmosphere. Eat-a-Burger’s commitment to quality, buying local first, infusing passion into food, innovation, and its ability to listen to its consumers have resulted in quantified successes within its niche industry.

[Teacher_AZ_84]

Eat-a-Burger, Opening Summer 2011, in the Pioneer Building Downtown Tucson

Tucson, AZ, March 30, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Announcing Eat-a-Burger, downtown Tucson's latest restaurant addition. The restaurant is slated to open July / August 2011. It will be located within the historic Pioneer building lobby at 100 N. Stone Ave. Suite #102, directly next to Ike’s Coffee and Tea in Tucson, Arizona.

The investment into creating a 40+ seat burger joint is a big step for Eat-a-Burger co-owners Jass K. and Sin W. For the last year, they have been operating a food truck set-up directly across the street of their new location. There they have braved the scorching summer heat and unprecedented freezing weather. Serving outdoors definitely has its pro and cons. But the duo is going against the grain with the current trend of restaurant owners closing shop and embarking into the mobile food industry. “We’ve been very fortunate with the support and response that we have had from Tucson and particularly downtown.” Jass continues, “Downtown is very sensitive and supportive of small locally owned businesses, and we are appreciative that they have made it possible for us to grow and progress into a restaurant and the opportunity to contribute to its revitalization.”

Upon opening this new restaurant, the couple’s endeavor will be the latest in the recent stream of restaurant revitalizations happening downtown. Eat-a-Burger will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Eat-a-Burger is committed to providing quality food at an affordable price. Burgers are the stars of the menu which are hand-shaped, seasoned to perfection, and never frozen. The restaurant will also offer hand-dipped and spun shakes as well as a wide variety of side food like fries and onion rings. There will also be a small breakfast menu, and classic lunch favorites like grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Call ahead seating for dinner service will be available; most major credit/debit cards are accepted.

About Eat-a-Burger:
Eat-a-Burger is a fast casual restaurant serving burgers, fries and shakes. It’s committed to creating and serving creative culinary experiences that inspire burger aficionados through compelling and engaging food within a warm welcoming atmosphere. Eat-a-Burger’s commitment to quality, buying local first, infusing passion into food, innovation, and its ability to listen to its consumers have resulted in quantified successes within its niche industry.

I am looking forward to this one. I think they are going in the old spot that Monkey Box occupied. I ate at 47Scott on Saturday and the food and atmosphere was excellent. I love trying out all these new restaurants downtown.

[acatalanb]

Good luck for the Eat-a-Burger folks! I'm hoping there would be more food trucks in Tucson. A lot of advantages for food trucks such as a way to open a traditional restaurant (kogi bbq, the truck that started it all is opening sister traditional restaurants (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kogi_Korean_BBQ) ), a demo for your restaurant ( i hear jack-in-the-box is in the food truck business (http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2011/03/jack_in_the_box_launches_food_truck_jacks_munchie_machine.php) ) or some way to save your restaurant's name instead of going out of business ( move from traditional to food truck ).

Portland's Food Cart (http://www.foodcartsportland.com/) ( they now have 800 of them )
Vendr TV , food cart review site (http://vendr.tv/)

[acatalanb]

New facade grants go to two 6th Ave. buildings and Reilly building

April 01, 2011 (10:25 am)

By Teya Vitu

A pair of Art Deco buildings on Sixth Avenue will spiff up quite a bit with money from the second round of the Façade Improvement Program managed by the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

Imago Dei Middle School will give a more colorful hue to the green Sears Executive Center, 55 N. Fifth Ave (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dandc/3147432802/in/set-72157610525259719/)., as the school by May 1 moves from Sixth and University Boulevard to the Sears building across from the Ronstadt Transit Center.

“We want to highlight the Art Deco features,” said The Rev. Anne Sawyer, co-founder of Imago Dei. “We want to give life and beauty and sophistication and honor the building.”

It should be no surprise that the Drawing Studio, 33 S. Sixth Ave (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=llsfp&xhr=t&cp=0&qe=VHVjc29uLCAzMyBTb3V0aCA2dGggQXZlbnVlLCBBWiA4NTcwMQ&qesig=TY5XS1GjyCk1x6MJhiLUiA&pkc=AFgZ2tk_SDlKZO3Z3JB-JwjTsjdGquNEQ6MZnr7uPHXbZRJdGHgo1J0KOscK_zXkWtXzZnCSsHLBFPmw_qCi1qqIDQ0Tn1QWUQ&safe=off&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Tucson,+33+South+6th+Avenue,+AZ+85701&fb=1&gl=us&hnear=Tucson,+AZ&cid=0,0,12814442446269438918&ei=lSiWTeCYMYaatweEhtiJDA&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBUQnwIwAA)., will be rather artistic with the up to $5,000 match they are receiving from the Façade Improvement Program.

“We’re kind of bending the rules a little,” Executive Director Lynn Fleischman said.

Drawing Studio founder Andy Rush described a visual image with a foundation of “bone-white” paint for the Art Deco design, but they aren’t stopping with paint.

“We are designing computerized changeable lighting for the façade,” said Rush.

The third Façade Improvement grant announced April 1 went to Steve Fenton for the Reilly Building (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dandc/3147432850/) he owns at Pennington Street and Scott Avenue. Fenton was not at the announcement ceremony.

This second phase of the Façade Improvement Program is funded entirely from the private sector with $25,000 provided by Providence Service Corp. and an anonymous foundation. Each selected qualifies for up to $5,000 and must match that amount with its own funds.

The second phase has only 5 percent of the first phase’s city-based funding and thus is limited to simpler paint projects.

“The purpose of both façade programs is the preservation of our historic architecture and the improvement of the visual qualities of the built environment,” said Michael Keith, chief executive of the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

The three awardees have six months to complete their projects.

Keith especially looks forward to a newly colored Sears Executive Center building.

“These improvements almost take over the entire street visually,” Keith said. “It’s going to do more for that block than anything else.”

Donovan Durband, aide to Councilman Steve Kozachik, was instrumental in setting up the original Façade Improvement Program while he was executive director of the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

“Downtown is really coming back, building by building, block by block,” Durband said. “There is not better example than this program.”

The city provided no money for this second phase, but Durband said Kozachik has proposed setting aside $50,000 for future façade improvements from a $3.4 million city-wide economic development fund Kozachik has proposed.

“Councilman Kozachik wants to see this program continue and expand,” Durband said.

Keith has had ongoing discussions with Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District board members to see if Rio Nuevo could also provide façade improvement funding.

“Our next focus is to go back to a more major façade program,” Keith said.

The first phase involved grants of up to $125,000 that allowed substantial façade work at The Screening Room, Beowulf Alley Theatre, the Rialto Exhibition Center and The Scott at Scott and Broadway. Rather surprising success has come to all four buildings because of the façade work.

The second phase got five applications, which a selection committee winnowed to three.

The selection committee included Façade Improvement Program manager Teresa Vasquez; Tom Warne from the Downtown Tucson Partnership; Demion Clinco, Pima County Historical Commission; Brooks Jeffery, University of Arizona Architecture Preservation Studies; developer Phil Lipman; Christina Parisi and Russlyn Wells, City of Tucson; and Jonathan Mabry, the city’s historic preservation officer.

I'm hoping the Chicago Music Store (http://www.flickr.com/photos/khesanh/4931511706/) would get a facade renovation .... next time.

[Ritarancher]

Anybody who is informed about Rainbow Bridge and it's price will say it's an over priced bridge crossing 1-10 (which will most likely be a 5 lane freeway in a few years) but in reality Rainbow Bridge will bring in extreme amounts of tourism to our area. Last year I went to San Fransisco for Earth hour (To see the golden gate bridge) and this year I went to Seattle and saw the Space Needle shut off it's lights. Imagine the people coming to Tucson to see the Rainbow Bridge shut off. Cool huh

[acatalanb]

Anybody who is informed about Rainbow Bridge and it's price will say it's an over priced bridge crossing 1-10 (which will most likely be a 5 lane freeway in a few years) but in reality Rainbow Bridge will bring in extreme amounts of tourism to our area. Last year I went to San Fransisco for Earth hour (To see the golden gate bridge) and this year I went to Seattle and saw the Space Needle shut off it's lights. Imagine the people coming to Tucson to see the Rainbow Bridge shut off. Cool huh

First time I passed SF's G. Gate bridge, I was awed by it's architecture. The experience of driving and approaching (then stopping at the toll booth while at the same time staring ) that bridge is something to remember. The other surrounding bridges in SF still does not compare to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Felt the same way with the Hoover Dam...I haven't been there in awhile and I was looking pictures at the new bridge besides it ... I wished the architects would have added some Art Deco so as to complement the Dam's architecture.

[acatalanb]

YouTube videos from City of Tucson (http://www.youtube.com/CityofTucson)

[Ritarancher]

First time I passed SF's G. Gate bridge, I was awed by it's architecture. The experience of driving and approaching (then stopping at the toll booth while at the same time staring ) that bridge is something to remember. The other surrounding bridges in SF still does not compare to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Felt the same way with the Hoover Dam...I haven't been there in awhile and I was looking pictures at the new bridge besides it ... I wished the architects would have added some Art Deco so as to complement the Dam's architecture.

i do like the pyramid building. I think it's called the transamerica tower

[acatalanb]

i do like the pyramid building. I think it's called the transamerica tower

Yes, yes...it's the Transamerica Tower. It's gorgeous and domineering. Can't beat San Francisco architecture. First time I visited the place I was surprised that at least half the city is littered with victorian houses as opposed to the expected 4-5 houses.

[acatalanb]

...The render below is for the senior housing project to be built on parcel G along Congress St., just west of the Santa Cruz River:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/missiondistrictsiteplan-001.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/kaneui/MissionDistrictlow-incomehousingrender.jpg
(site plan: City of Tucson: photo: The Gadsden Co.)

The complex will also be six stories like the senior MLK Apartments on downtown's east end, but have over twice the number of units (143). The streetcar will travel up Avenida del Convento (on the far left of the site plan), then go east on Congress and return down Linda Ave., the street bisecting the 14-acre Mission District.

Photos of downtown Tucson westside development

Mercado District of Menlo Park, housing/business development at Parcel A

office buildings? ...that's A mountain behind this building
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5589466432_40f0044ecf_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5588874099_1fd1d6634c_z.jpg

houses or more like townhouses with narrow streets ...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5589466400_994e62a8b4_z.jpg 
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5589466306_d017e582c2_z.jpg

there's a small mexican restaurant here (bought a $4 breakfast burro...good and filling), a kitchen you can rent and I think the future location of a local grocery store
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5589466382_57284a7296_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5588874085_5bb15f98cc_z.jpg

Parcel G (north east corner of this photo), location of retirement complex that will be built
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5589466276_e1ede5ec69_z.jpg

Another Map (http://www.mercadodistrict.com/index_location_5.html) of this development. From this map : #5 would be the UA Science Center Rainbow Bridge. #8-Mission Gardens. #7-Origins Park/Convento. #'s 8,7 hoping to be covered with a biosphere laced with solar panels. #1-Mercado District Housing/Business. #2-location of the Retirement Complex on NE side of this block

[acatalanb]

Here's a photo from this photo thread in Madrid, Spain (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=190152). It's one of Madrid's famous historic buildings and judging from the heavy foot traffic looks like it's also one of Madrid's most popular locations. Look carefully, there's a McDonald's in this historic building. I wouldn't mind a McDonald's (or a mini-Walmart) inside Tucson's Pioneer Hotel or in any of Tucson's historic buildings.
http://www.worldtravelimages.net/DSC03306.JPG

A UK 54 floor high rise (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=16335) with boutique hotel, business offices, apartments, retail shops and family housing . And it's right by a rail track.

[Anqrew]

nimby's are at it again.

Building Big
A 756-resident student-housing project has West University neighbors concerned


History may be repeating itself in the historic West University Neighborhood.

Almost 25 years ago, a proposed high-density student-housing project, slated to be located just west of the UA campus, caused controversy. A somewhat similar situation is now occurring near Fourth Avenue.

Back in 1987, UT Commons, a high-rise complex for more than 1,500 students planned at Euclid Avenue and University Boulevard, stirred neighborhood passions. Eventually, financing for the proposal fell through, and the more-acceptable Main Gate commercial area rose instead.

Today, the West University Neighborhood is confronting The District at UA Student Housing.

To be built on three acres of vacant land near the intersection of Sixth Street and Fifth Avenue, The District site was once home to a YMCA. After its demolition, a 126-unit condominium development was proposed, but never implemented.

The project location is adjacent to Fourth Avenue, the modern streetcar route and several single-family homes. When constructed, The District would be up to 60 feet tall and accommodate 756 residents.

Many people in the neighborhood, along with nearby neighborhood associations, are aghast at the prospect. One resident wrote the city: "It is far too high and too dense for the area."

As of last week, officials at City Hall had received more than 40 objections to the project. They had also gotten seven letters of support, one stating: "This would be a God-send for the neighborhood and would decrease the demand for mini-dorms."


Just as they supported UT Commons, the city staff is supporting the new proposal. The District needed five modifications of development standards, and all were approved on March 8.

The West University Neighborhood Association (WUNA) has filed a notice that it will appeal this decision to the City Council. The association has until April 7 to submit additional information.

In approving UT Commons back in 1987, the City Council disregarded pleas from neighborhood residents that the project would be a social disaster. This opinion was based, in part, on unruly behavior at a similar complex built by the same developer next to Arizona State University.

Some of those involved with The District may not have a sterling record when it comes to student housing in Tucson.

Conrad Sick is senior vice president of California-based Valeo Companies and is assisting the developer of The District, Residential Housing Development, LLC, of Houston.

Almost a decade ago, according to his company's website, Sick "led the planning and development of several hundred units of student housing" at the UA.

This 325-bed graduate-student project, named La Aldea, was to be a long-term public-private partnership with the UA. Built on Euclid Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets, the project had problems even before it opened in August 2003.

In addition, management issues in its first year were a constant irritation for tenants of La Aldea. Ambling Companies, a firm Sick once worked for, managed the complex to widespread criticism.

One tenant referred to in a 2004 Arizona Daily Wildcat story reported: "He's heard many complaints from residents throughout the past year, ranging from maintenance problems to delayed construction."

Another tenant, in an online critique labeled "Sucks," wrote of the development: "There is NO beautiful landscaping unless you like cement and dirt. ... What happened to the 24-hour security that was promised to us?"

Based on criticisms like these, the UA purchased the complex in January 2005. In recommending this acquisition, student regent Ben Graff told the Arizona Board of Regents: "When students lived in this complex, they did not have access to university administration, and no one listened to students' concerns."

Sick believes those who criticize his former company's role with La Aldea are misinformed. "We didn't control the management company," he declares, "and there was a separate contract with them and the university. ... It's not a fair blanket statement (to lump us together)."

There are also similarities between The District and UT Commons. To build the latter, several historic homes were demolished, while the developer of the former is planning to acquire some nearby historic houses—and reportedly plans to tear them down.

Also, the demand for this type of high-security student housing is questionable. A 2009 student-housing market study prepared for the UA concluded: "There appears to easily be sufficient demand for 2,500 to 5,000 beds, assuming varying segmentation."

Presently, the university is adding 1,100 beds on campus. It is also looking to partner with a private-sector developer or developers, and is hoping to house up to 1,000 students downtown. A decision on which of seven submitted proposals to select is due shortly.

Given these university moves, will there be enough demand to support The District?

Sick believes his project has a superior location to the UA proposals. He also thinks whichever development opens first—with The District developers shooting for August 2012—will have a distinct advantage.

For his part, Jim Campbell, a local developer who is waiting to hear about his UA housing proposal, suggests there is enough demand to support several student housing projects. But he does say of The District's 756 beds: "That's a lot."

Campbell also doesn't think rapidly rising tuition rates at the UA will negatively impact housing demand from students.

"The student housing guys I'm working with," Campbell observes optimistically, "aren't concerned about that."

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/building-big/Content?oid=2648427

[acatalanb]

:previous: I couldn't stand those NIMBY's. If you lived close to a large and growing university, you'd expect to have student housing construction along the way...apparently, these morons can't seem to connect the dots.

Anyway, this is a photo I stole from an AZ Daily Star article (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_4e22359f-d925-5e0f-a0df-830ec360654e.html) . I've been trying to get this type of photo shots but unfortunately, I need access to a tall building in Tucson.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5597934410_f8a78a974b_z.jpg

[Butta]

:previous: I couldn't stand those NIMBY's. If you lived close to a large and growing university, you'd expect to have student housing construction along the way...apparently, these morons can't seem to connect the dots.

Anyway, this is a photo I stole from an AZ Daily Star article (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_4e22359f-d925-5e0f-a0df-830ec360654e.html) . I've been trying to get this type of photo shots but unfortunately, I need access to a tall building in Tucson.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5597934410_f8a78a974b_z.jpg

If you need access to tall buildings, I work for a company that has access to most tall buildings downtown and on the east side. I'm in Phoenix now but whenever I'm in town I can arrange that.

[acatalanb]

:previous: Thanks for the offer. I'll contact you when I get the chance hopefully in about a couple months. I'm also away from Tucson at the moment.

[Anqrew]

for the 5 story, student dorm project near 4th ave, looks like the nimbys have compromised for some money and the developers not demolishing 2 houses. sounds win win to me.

West University Assn. OKs deal on student housing at YMCA site
The West University Neighborhood Association and a student-housing developer have agreed to terms that pave the way for a 756-room dorm-style complex at the old YMCA site near Fourth Avenue.
The agreement, which neither side would discuss Friday, calls for the developer to preserve two houses that will act as a buffer between the proposed apartments and the neighborhood. In exchange, the neighborhood will withdraw its opposition to the project, called The District, slated to be built at the site of the old YMCA building.
Before the agreement, the neighborhood had formally started the process to appeal the development, and City Councilman Steve Kozachik said he talked to the developer and encouraged the company to compromise.
Neighborhood representatives said they didn't want to talk about the terms until the agreement with the developer is signed, even though they openly discussed the deal at a neighborhood meeting Thursdaynight.
"I don't want to take any chance at compromising the deal," said Noah Sensibar, a West University resident.
Representatives from Valeo Cos., the developer of the proposed project, were unavailable Friday for comment on the agreement. They have previously said the complex will have five stories of furnished apartments, rented by the bedroom for about $500 per month, with a resort-style pool, a coffee bar and other student amenities.
Valeo agreed to pay the neighborhood association $25,000 up front, plus $2,500 a year for 15 years, resident Richard Mayers said at the meeting, in addition to preserving the two buffer houses for at least 15 years. The money will go toward rooftops on other historic homes in the neighborhood.
Residents at the meeting described the deal as the best they could get. Mayers told the group they did not have support from the City Council to fight the project, and there was always the possibility of a bigger project in the future. Other residents said preserving the homes will keep a buffer between the neighborhood and the project.
"I've been talking to both groups since the thing began. It started out as a wholly unacceptable project," Kozachik said. "It really has evolved. Now a builder has shown an ability to work with a neighborhood."
This proposed project could be a model for other neighborhoods near campus, he said.
"It's an example of a project where both parties made some compromises, and I'm glad we finally have an example of some student housing that can take the mini-dorm pressure off neighborhoods," Kozachik said.
Some students said they could see how a neighborhood might object to a student-housing complex with hundreds of rooms for rent.
UA freshman Jenna Massey compared the housing development to her UA dorm being in a neighborhood, instead of on campus.
"I would feel horrible if we lived near someone," she said.
"Kids are loud," which sometimes means disruptions or the police show up, said Giana Siska, also a UA freshman.
The proposed site, 550 N. Fifth Ave., is at North Fifth Avenue and East Sixth Street. It's a half-mile from campus and a block from North Fourth Avenue and the future streetcar line there.
"We need to find room on the arterials for these kinds of things just so they're not being built in the middle of a neighborhood. That's the problem in Jefferson Park," Kozachik said.

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/college/article_b04a85c3-7419-59f7-b38f-3b0bd04d978e.html

[acatalanb]

:previous: If that's $500 for a 1 bedroom with it's own bathroom and kitchen, that's a good deal. Can't wait to see the renderings of that student housing.

[poconoboy61]

Anybody who is informed about Rainbow Bridge and it's price will say it's an over priced bridge crossing 1-10 (which will most likely be a 5 lane freeway in a few years) but in reality Rainbow Bridge will bring in extreme amounts of tourism to our area. Last year I went to San Fransisco for Earth hour (To see the golden gate bridge) and this year I went to Seattle and saw the Space Needle shut off it's lights. Imagine the people coming to Tucson to see the Rainbow Bridge shut off. Cool huh

What is the point of this bridge? Will it be funded by taxpayers? Why should Tucson build a bridge just so the lights can be turned off for "Earth Hour" (whatever that is)?

Surely there is a cheaper alternative that doesn't involve taxpayer funds.

[acatalanb]

Just woke up, playing some french song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvyMG0z0FZY), eating french crepe then tuned in to this website reading :previous: ...... I started choking on my crepe, was closed to a massive heart attack ... fell to the floor. I'm glad this question was referred to someone else.... can't breathe, paramedic help! ambulance please! call 911!!! ...doing heimlich!

[somethingfast]

What is the point of this bridge? Will it be funded by taxpayers? Why should Tucson build a bridge just so the lights can be turned off for "Earth Hour" (whatever that is)?

Surely there is a cheaper alternative that doesn't involve taxpayer funds.

I don't much care about what happens in Tucson anymore (so why am I reading this??? Okay, you got me...), haven't lived there in four years, so I can honestly say with objectivity that the bridge concept never really bothered me yet it never had a snowball's chance of materializing either...so what's the point of speculating about its merits?

Honestly, for the money, I would think Tucson would benefit MUCH more by building an observation tower a la Space Needle or the one in San Antonio. I mean, Tucson (like Seattle) has some incredible natural beauty (the city is butt ugly but I digress...) so a 500-700 foot observation tower would sellable as an experience...maybe with a restaurant on top, etc.

But, again, nothing ever gets done in Tucson so file this under "totally unrealistic, never gonna happen pipe dream".

[acatalanb]

Development records seized at TCC; AG's office also in inquiry

FBI joins investigation into Rio Nuevo

Rob O'Dell Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:00 am

The FBI has joined an investigation of the Rio Nuevo redevelopment district. Last week the bureau joined the Arizona Attorney General's Office in seizing thousands of Rio Nuevo documents - virtually all the available records - housed at the Tucson Convention Center.

FBI Spokesman Manuel Johnson said the investigation into Rio Nuevo is ongoing and declined to comment further.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Jette wouldn't confirm or deny an investigation. However, Attorney General Tom Horne has said since January that he would start an inquiry into the downtown-redevelopment district funded with state tax money returned to the city. The district has spent about $230 million in public funds with little actual development to show for it.

Jette did confirm the FBI is working with the AG's office on Rio Nuevo, adding that the office brought the FBI on to work the case sometime in the last few weeks. He declined to answer more questions.

Both the city and the Rio Nuevo District were asked to sign request-to-consent documents - which could have become a search warrant if they had declined. Jette said both entities have been extremely cooperative.

Rio Nuevo's new lawyer, Mark Collins, of Gust Rosenfeld, signed the consent for the Rio Nuevo board, and City Attorney Mike Rankin signed for the city. Rankin said he signed because the council empowered him months ago to comply with any investigation into Rio Nuevo.

TCC Director Tommy Obermaier, who opened up the Rio Nuevo record-storage room for law enforcement, said agents took nearly all the Rio Nuevo documents in the room, calling for more boxes at one point to haul materials out.

"Anything that was in there related to Rio Nuevo, they took it all," Obermaier said, adding that when he returned there weren't "any files or anything in there."

Rio Nuevo Board Chairwoman Jodi Bain said the two agencies took filing cabinets, banker's boxes, computer towers and more from the room.

"We were asked to give consent so they didn't have to enter forcefully," Bain said. "The documents have been taken into custody and seized."

The city's real estate division was also asked to open up the old Rio Nuevo offices at Congress Street and Stone Avenue, said interim Real Estate Director Hector Martinez. However, nothing was taken from that office because the city had moved almost everything to the TCC.

Just a week before the documents were seized, the city and the Rio Nuevo board sparred over who had control of the roomful of documents, eventually agreeing to each having keys to different locks, so the records room could only be accessed by both at the same time, Rankin said.

Rio Nuevo used to be in effect a city department, and the vast majority of the actions that some are demanding an investigation into happened while the city had the reins of the tax-increment-financing district.

Once seen as the last best chance to redevelop downtown when it was approved by more than 60 percent of voters in 1999, Rio Nuevo has become synonymous with failure. The city received a $500 million extension of the tax-increment-financing district in 2006, but by the end of 2009, the city had spent much of the proceeds on planning, design and consulting with few completed projects. The district now has little money left each year after paying its debt service.

Because of Rio Nuevo's track record, the Legislature took control of the project, and in 2010 appointed a new board. In October, the auditor general issued a report highly critical of the city and the former Rio Nuevo board for mismanagement, which led to a majority of its projects' remaining incomplete despite more than $230 million spent. The findings mirrored those found in three years worth of investigations by the Arizona Daily Star.

After winning the election last year, Horne and several Southern Arizona legislators promised an even more in-depth investigation of Rio Nuevo's spending.

Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at 573-4346 or rodell@azstarnet.com

[acatalanb]

Tucson does have nice nature made surroundings. It's the Tucson NIMBY's (and greedy developers) that made this BIG city unpleasant looking ( I was gonna used the word fuck'in ugly ... and the word 'butt' has been used already ).

[acatalanb]

I personally think we should build the $300 million bridge and yes, a (nice,domineering,tall,unique) tower to complement with that. Let me add, a biosphere park laced with solar panels covering that convento/mission garden museum. Maybe add a small aquarium in the museum district.

You'll never know 'things' might happen. I've never thought the MODERN light rail (I mocked and laughed about this light rail in the beginning. I thought it was stupid ... I changed 180 degrees thereafter ) will ever happen ... but it happened. Never thought people would actually visit and live (like myself) downtown ... but it happened.

There's a Tucson mayoral election this year. The first mayor that says 'NIMBYs, shut the fuck up' ... gets my vote.

Here's a website (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.shownewsinpictures&page=1) for some perspective why we, Americans, need to build big things . Hint: most of the structures in this site (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.shownewsinpictures&page=1) are outside the good ol' USA.

Here's the Tucson photo thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=188659) ... in case you missed it .

Remember folks ... terrorist, greedy developers, Iran and NIMBY's (that includes neighborhood activists) are out to destroy America. It's time to stop these fools!

Repost 3-08-2011

The current mayor from an interview ( http://www.azpm.org/news/ ) sometime last year, says the Rainbow Bridge IS still on the table. The city of Tucson has the blueprints and all the bureaucratic signatures blah blah etc.... The only thing missing of course is the $200-$300 million funds to actually build it. Personally, I think it should be built pending available funds. Our beloved US of America really need to build projects like these. If Phoenix, L.A. or wherever in the USA would build big ticket projects like these, I'd visit the place. I couldn't wait to visit San Francisco's Transbay Center (http://transbaycenter.org/)myself when it's done.

ok, here's the video , http://www.azpm.org/news/story/2010/12/10/200-2011-a-challenging-year-for-city-of-tucson/ . According to the mayor (this is before his announcement of not running for re-election), the funds to build the Science Center ( Rainbow Bridge has a science center in the bridge with an IMAX ) would come from private donations and/or low cost city bonds. I think they are opting for the smaller scale ($120 million bridge instead of the bigger $300 million bridge .... i prefer the bigger one, hope they change their mind ).

The candidates running for the mayor's seat so far have support to continue downtown renovation. One candidate even wants to build historic projects around the Santa Cruz river ( filling part of the river with water ).

Rainbow Bridge in pdf format (http://alexisfaust.com/uploads/TucCit05sep1-rainbow.pdf)

The architect's wiki page list UA Science Center in progress 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Vi%C3%B1oly) - I wished he'd be the architect for the new city/county court complex (see below)

More stuff about the UofA Science Center in pdf format (http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/pdf/rioscfacts03.pdf) ... there's a butterfly museum, telescope, cafe etc... The UA and City of Tucson can opt for the $300 million and work on phases as funds permit .

[Anqrew]

Toole avenue is going to start looking a lot nicer now.

WAMO buys warehouse at 197 E. Toole

By Teya Vitu



The overnight transformation of a bleak row of weathered warehouses on Toole Avenue starts May 14 with the planting of some 50 trees and the installation of various benches, art works and even a bus stop.

This is the realization of the long-murmured Art Walk, which was already a mature idea when drawn into the 2004 Tucson Historic Warehouse Arts District Master Plan.

The Art Walk will come right at the heels of the Warehouse Arts Management Organization completing the late March tortuous acquisition of the big blue warehouse at 197 E. Toole Ave. once known as the Toole Shed - and, yes, once again being called the Toole Shed Studios.

This is the first time WAMO, established in 2004, has owned property. Equally significant, WAMO’s new holdings now puts all the formerly state-owned warehouses on Toole Avenue between Stone and Sixth avenues in private hands.

This include the former Zee’s Warehouse, 1 E. Toole, bought at auction in November 2009 by Peach Properties; the neighboring 15-17-19 E. Toole warehouses auctioned the same day to Steve Fenton; the adjoining Solar Culture and Arches warehouses at 31 and 35 E. Toole auctioned to Fenton in April 2010, and Peach Properties submitting the winning bid that same day on 119 E. Toole, new home for Dinnerware Artspace and the soon-to-open Borderlands Brewery.

WAMO paid the market value $166,000 for the 197 E. Toole warehouse, financed by a five-year loan from the Tucson Industrial Development Authority. WAMO President Elizabeth Burden is confident that rents paid by artists and possible additional fundraising will retire the loan on time. The city still owns the land underneath the warehouse.

“Owning the Toole Shed fulfills a couple items in our mission statement,” Burden started, “in that we believe there needs to be artist-owned and artist-managed space and to ensure artists will be there for a long time. What owning the Toole Shed allows us to do is take another step in perpetuating artists’ role.”
WAMO is also negotiating with the city to buy the Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. Sixth St., from which the Arizona Department of Transportation evicted long-time tenant artists in July 2007. Since then the city took over ownership of the Steinfeld and Toole Shed in a land-swap with ADOT.

WAMO is a private, 501(c) 3 nonprofit, which was created in 2004 as the first recommendation implemented from the warehouse district master plan. WAMO’s mission is to preserve, protect, promote, and program the Warehouse Arts District, a warehouse-laden artist’s haven along Toole Avenue, Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue.

There Toole Shed open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 16, the same day as the Open Studios Tour. WAMO has a Web site at http://thewarehouseartsdistrict.com/.

“This is one of the few, if not only, master plans the city adopted that has made progress,” Burden said. “There are significant pieces of it coming to fruition. The next piece of it is the greening of Toole Avenue with the Art Walk.”

Like most overnight successes, even though the casual observer may have seen nothing promising happening on Toole Avenue throughout the 2000s, WAMO has worked pretty much nonstop since 2004 to preserve and protect the warehouses as artist studios and galleries.

There were no guarantees at all that the artist presence would be maintained as ADOT made it clear anybody could bid at auction. In fact, Fenton’s acquisition of his three warehouses raised alarms because nobody was sure if Fenton was at all committed to the arts-driven master plan.

Indeed, WAMO had put in a losing bid on the Solar Culture warehouse, but Fenton ultimately surprised the artist crowd with his commitment to the status quo.

Meanwhile, the city was rather poker-faced for a couple years before trading land with the state to acquire the Steinfeld and Toole Shed warehouses. WAMO had negotiated with the city to issue requests for proposals rather than go to auction, and WAMO convinced the city to add deed restriction that the buildings can only be used for arts uses.

Now WAMO’s garden is suddenly blooming and, quite by coincidence, the rest of the Downtown garden is barely a year into blooming itself.

“The metaphor of a garden is a good one,” Burden said. “2004 to now we were doing all the cultivation work, pulling weeds and gathering tools so the garden can grow.”

The 197 E. Toole warehouse long was home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, but there had always been artist studios in back prior to MOCA, during MOCA, and after MOCA left.

Burden said a gallery space will be installed at the front of the Toole Shed and neighboring Skrappy’s will have a retail space up front, too.

Meanwhile, the warehouse with the arches at 35 E. Toole that is called Arches is filled up with artists and a specialty toy shop. The 1 E. Toole warehouse is the only one whose future is undetermined so far.

Peach Property owners Ron and Patricia Schwabe have stripped 1 E. Toole down to an empty shell and stabilized the building.

“We’re hoping to determine the users by summer,” Patricia Schwabe said. “We hope to have a direction in summer. People rent in summer.”

The Schwabes are considering whether to get one large tenant or hire a manager to bring in numerous smaller tenants.

“We are lighting a fuse,” Ron Schwabe said. “There will be an explosion of energy and action on Toole Avenue. This is where it’s starting.”

http://www.downtowntucson.org/news/?p=3187

[acatalanb]

Video about United Streetcar, the Portland, Oregon company contracted to build Tucson's streetcar.

6SFbI_I6nFs?fs=1&amp


3-D Video animation of the Tucson MODERN Streetcar

_SXxXFYzNj8?fs=1&amp


fyi, here's how to embed a youtube video in skyscraper (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=966096)

[acatalanb]

Let's Learn About Food Trucks!
POSTED BY ADAM BOROWITZ ON TUE, APR 12, 2011 AT 3:39 PM

If you've grown weary of my endless prattle regarding the magnificence of food trucks, you can go down to Dinnerware Artspace at 119 E. Toole Ave. at 7 p.m. tonight and hear other people prattle on about the magnificence of food trucks.

The short version is this: Other cities are doing big things with food trucks, and a growing group of Tucsonans want to do the same. The presentation tonight will show what's happening in other cities while also touching on some of the health-code requirements to keep in mind when starting a food truck.

From an announcement circulated by Dinnerware Artspace:

Tuesday, April 12th, 7pm
Let's talk about Food Trucks in Tucson. Why don't we have more innovative cuisine in Tucson wheels? We're gathering images from food trucks from other towns such as Portland, Austin, Los Angeles which we will show you. Pima County health codes will be available to hand out followed by a brief talk under the "where to from here" category.
Speaking of which, there's finally a Facebook page devoted to Tucson food-truck culture. You can find that here (http://www.facebook.com/TucsonFoodTrucks).

Original post at Tucson Weekly (http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2011/04/12/lets-learn-about-food-trucks)

[Anqrew]

This sounds exciting, cant wait to hear which proposals are going to be built!

Giddy about downtown
Folks at City Hall are so giddy they're having trouble containing themselves for the official announcement that's supposed to happen next Friday (April 15) in which the University of Arizona is supposed to reveal it is awarding two contracts to build some major student housing in downtown Tucson.
With the soon-to-be under construction modern streetcar, downtown and the UA will have connectivity and the complexes that will accommodate up to 1,300 students will provide the critical population mass that should spark energy downtown.

It also helps that the UA is finally doing something about the shortage of student-housing, which directly contributed to building of minidorms in neighborhoods north of the campus.

http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/giddy-about-downtown/article_dab48d98-6161-11e0-ac1b-001cc4c03286.html

[Anqrew]

rendering of new court complex
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/insidetucsonbusiness.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/a/72/52b/a7252b56-50c5-11e0-a1ff-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4d8254fa94652.image.jpg
inside tucson business

Pima County follows private sector lead on new courthouse

Taking a page from the private sector, construction of a planned Pima County-Tucson combined court complex downtown will follow a common practice used by retail and office building developers. As the "anchor," Pima County will own the building, occupy much of the space and seek a tenant to share costs.
As planned, the preferred tenant is the City of Tucson.
"By combining resources, the county and city will see real economies of scale. It's a very smart and clever move by the county, to build the facility and operate it as a landlord. That is very common in the private sector, to put up a shell and build the tenant improvements later. We don't see that often in the public sector," said Kurt Wadlington, senior project director for Sundt Construction.
Sundt has a $500,000 contract to review construction and material costs for the 256,000 square-foot structure and provide the county with a maximum guaranteed price. Located on a triangle-shaped 4.3 acres on the southeast corner of Toole Avenue and Stone Avenue, the seven-story complex is estimated to cost $35 million to $40 million.
Pima County would occupy 38 percent of the space with plans for the city to lease the balance. Total tenant improvements will cost another $35 million. Both governments' existing courts are in overcrowded or aged buildings.
Amid concerns the city may not have the means to pay its share, county officials are proceeding, albeit cautiously.
"We're moving ahead, our tenant is lined up. We plan to capture the very favorable conditions and prices now in the construction market," said Reid Spaulding, facilities management director for Pima County. "By not waiting, there's $5 million in savings for the shell and core."
The high-tech building will be a 24/7 operation with advanced security and video arraignment capabilities. Since it will serve two jurisdictions, Spaulding said the complex will have holding cells and "high-volume courtrooms" to get arrestees before judges quickly.
Pima County hopes to break ground in July and have the shell done by August 2012. The project includes a parking garage on the site's southern perimeter.


http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/construction_real_estate/pima-county-follows-private-sector-lead-on-new-courthouse/article_1f1d13f4-50c5-11e0-84a5-001cc4c002e0.html

[Thirsty]

You'll never know 'things' might happen. I've never thought the MODERN light rail (I mocked and laughed about this light rail in the beginning. I thought it was stupid ... I changed 180 degrees thereafter ) will ever happen ... but it happened. Never thought people would actually visit and live (like myself) downtown ... but it happened.

Oh, please, PLEASE, PLEASE stop calling it a light rail. I dream of a light rail in Tucson, and every time you refer to our new handicapable trolley as a "light-rail system", it is a dagger in my chest.

I think it is a great thing, I think it will lead to development... but please don't remind me of what we might have had

[acatalanb]

Oh, please, PLEASE, PLEASE stop calling it a light rail. I dream of a light rail in Tucson, and every time you refer to our new handicapable trolley as a "light-rail system", it is a dagger in my chest.

I think it is a great thing, I think it will lead to development... but please don't remind me of what we might have had

:shrug: Is this 'trolley' too slow? Too many stops? Not much rail tracks? Please explain.
I'm hoping the rail tracks gets extended all over Tucson even reaching Bisbee, Green Valley, Sierra Vista and Mt. Lemon....Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita etc..

[acatalanb]

rendering of new court complex
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/insidetucsonbusiness.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/a/72/52b/a7252b56-50c5-11e0-a1ff-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4d8254fa94652.image.jpg
inside tucson business

Pima County follows private sector lead on new courthouse

Taking a page from the private sector, construction of a planned Pima County-Tucson combined court complex downtown will follow a common practice used by retail and office building developers. As the "anchor," Pima County will own the building, occupy much of the space and seek a tenant to share costs.
As planned, the preferred tenant is the City of Tucson.
"By combining resources, the county and city will see real economies of scale. It's a very smart and clever move by the county, to build the facility and operate it as a landlord. That is very common in the private sector, to put up a shell and build the tenant improvements later. We don't see that often in the public sector," said Kurt Wadlington, senior project director for Sundt Construction.
Sundt has a $500,000 contract to review construction and material costs for the 256,000 square-foot structure and provide the county with a maximum guaranteed price. Located on a triangle-shaped 4.3 acres on the southeast corner of Toole Avenue and Stone Avenue, the seven-story complex is estimated to cost $35 million to $40 million.
Pima County would occupy 38 percent of the space with plans for the city to lease the balance. Total tenant improvements will cost another $35 million. Both governments' existing courts are in overcrowded or aged buildings.
Amid concerns the city may not have the means to pay its share, county officials are proceeding, albeit cautiously.
"We're moving ahead, our tenant is lined up. We plan to capture the very favorable conditions and prices now in the construction market," said Reid Spaulding, facilities management director for Pima County. "By not waiting, there's $5 million in savings for the shell and core."
The high-tech building will be a 24/7 operation with advanced security and video arraignment capabilities. Since it will serve two jurisdictions, Spaulding said the complex will have holding cells and "high-volume courtrooms" to get arrestees before judges quickly.
Pima County hopes to break ground in July and have the shell done by August 2012. The project includes a parking garage on the site's southern perimeter.


http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/construction_real_estate/pima-county-follows-private-sector-lead-on-new-courthouse/article_1f1d13f4-50c5-11e0-84a5-001cc4c002e0.html

The building rendering is decent and better than the older rendering. But then that's what I said with the TEP rendering and it's turning out to be a much nicer building. I'm glad they are moving forward with this.

Having been a county employee at the old county courthouse way back in the 90's, this building is long overdue. The old courthouse constantly leaks during rain, the elevator constantly breaks down, not enough space to store things, overcrowding etc...

I'm hoping along the way, the other city/county offices would integrate into another building and make way for the old buildings (except the old courthouse) for private development.

[bleunick]

rendering of new court complex
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/insidetucsonbusiness.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/a/72/52b/a7252b56-50c5-11e0-a1ff-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4d8254fa94652.image.jpg
inside tucson business

Pima County follows private sector lead on new courthouse

Taking a page from the private sector, construction of a planned Pima County-Tucson combined court complex downtown will follow a common practice used by retail and office building developers. As the "anchor," Pima County will own the building, occupy much of the space and seek a tenant to share costs.
As planned, the preferred tenant is the City of Tucson.
"By combining resources, the county and city will see real economies of scale. It's a very smart and clever move by the county, to build the facility and operate it as a landlord. That is very common in the private sector, to put up a shell and build the tenant improvements later. We don't see that often in the public sector," said Kurt Wadlington, senior project director for Sundt Construction.
Sundt has a $500,000 contract to review construction and material costs for the 256,000 square-foot structure and provide the county with a maximum guaranteed price. Located on a triangle-shaped 4.3 acres on the southeast corner of Toole Avenue and Stone Avenue, the seven-story complex is estimated to cost $35 million to $40 million.
Pima County would occupy 38 percent of the space with plans for the city to lease the balance. Total tenant improvements will cost another $35 million. Both governments' existing courts are in overcrowded or aged buildings.
Amid concerns the city may not have the means to pay its share, county officials are proceeding, albeit cautiously.
"We're moving ahead, our tenant is lined up. We plan to capture the very favorable conditions and prices now in the construction market," said Reid Spaulding, facilities management director for Pima County. "By not waiting, there's $5 million in savings for the shell and core."
The high-tech building will be a 24/7 operation with advanced security and video arraignment capabilities. Since it will serve two jurisdictions, Spaulding said the complex will have holding cells and "high-volume courtrooms" to get arrestees before judges quickly.
Pima County hopes to break ground in July and have the shell done by August 2012. The project includes a parking garage on the site's southern perimeter.


http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/construction_real_estate/pima-county-follows-private-sector-lead-on-new-courthouse/article_1f1d13f4-50c5-11e0-84a5-001cc4c002e0.html

The rendering looks pretty good i guess, but i would really like to see some space for some ground level shopping or restaurants. That whole section of downtown pretty much dies off every night around 6pm or so and it would be nice to see a cool restaurant in that area. Also Im not too big on these new building renderings having so much space from the actual building to the street/sidewalk. All this open space and trees and planters nonsense should not be in the middle of a dense urban area.

[Thirsty]

:shrug: Is this 'trolley' too slow? Too many stops? Not much rail tracks? Please explain.
I'm hoping the rail tracks gets extended all over Tucson even reaching Bisbee, Green Valley, Sierra Vista and Mt. Lemon....Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita etc..

First let me say, after re-reading my post, I'm really not sure how people are reading my tone. You know how it goes with these interwebs. I'm giddy with excitement over the Modern Streetcar. :cheers: :notacrook:

Ah, so there are generally a few distinction and one is right of way. From everything I've seen and read, the Modern Streetcar will share the road with cars, meaning if traffic is backed up on Congress or University, the Streetcar is going to be stuck there too. (think of Main Gate at 5pm)

Light rail would have its own track, even if it has to stop at an occasional red light, which is the case in Tempe/Mesa (I think there may be some road sharing in downtown Phoenix, can't remember). Overall this makes light rail a 1000 times more reliable than buses when it comes to keeping a schedule.

A Tucson light rail could extend to Oro Valley/Marana, but for Sierra Vista, Bisbee etc., now you are going miles between stops, and now you're talking about more of a commuter train. In D.C. however, the subway cars function as both. Once outside the beltway, they speed up, travel further between stops, and I believe will soon reach into south-central Pennsylvania, roughly a Tucson to Bisbee distance.

[acatalanb]

First let me say, after re-reading my post, I'm really not sure how people are reading my tone. You know how it goes with these interwebs. I'm giddy with excitement over the Modern Streetcar. :cheers: :notacrook:

Ah, so there are generally a few distinction and one is right of way. From everything I've seen and read, the Modern Streetcar will share the road with cars, meaning if traffic is backed up on Congress or University, the Streetcar is going to be stuck there to. (think of Main Gate at 5pm)

Light rail would have its own track, even if it has to stop at an occasional red light, which is the case in Tempe/Mesa (I think there may be some road sharing in downtown Phoenix, can't remember). Overall this makes light rail a 1000 times more reliable than buses when it comes to keeping a schedule.

A Tucson light rail could extend to Oro Valley/Marana, but for Sierra Vista, Bisbee etc., now you are going miles between stops, and now you're talking about more of a commuter train. In D.C. however, the subway cars function as both. Once outside the beltway, they speed up, travel further between stops, and I believe will soon reach into south-central Pennsylvania, roughly a Tucson to Bisbee distance.

Thanks for clarifying. I'm all for efficiency for all types of rail service. Yes, it does seem our light rail system would share the same rules as vehicles. I'd see the current rail system as a 'starter' just to build momentum for further extension of this rail service along the way and hopefully, the city would find more efficient means to speed the service.

I'd like this rail system , as you do, because 1) it reduces air pollution 2) it has the potential to create new construction and businesses within the rail line 3) it's an alternative public transportation 4) it's the future .

It certainly would be much nicer to have a monorail that would extend all over. I remember there was a proposal to build a monorail between Vegas and LA. around 2008 by Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada.

[Thirsty]

I'd like this rail system , as you do, because 1) it reduces air pollution 2) it has the potential to create new construction and businesses within the rail line 3) it's an alternative public transportation 4) it's the future .

It certainly would be much nicer to have a monorail that would extend all over. I remember there was a proposal to build a monorail between Vegas and LA. around 2008 by Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada.

I can never shake the image of monorails as "tourist movers". They work at airports, disneyworld etc. I don't think Tucson needs to look to the sky for transit. We've got the room, the low density, and the layout to accommodate new ground-based systems.

I'd like to see light rail from the airport, up Campbell to the university, then downtown (maybe via Speedway*** to spur some redevelopment/infill) from downtown you might continue east on Broadway to El Con and complete a loop and gradually build east. (maybe people who do this for a living will say that is too small of a loop... i don't know) Also, from downtown build due north to avoid redundancy with I-10.

If there ever were a high speed Tuc-Phx rail, Main and Speedway seems like an ideal place for your futuristic euro-inspired transit station/architectural monument. You could get off the bullet train and catch light rail to the UA/airport or take a line downtown/eastside or even backtrack to the northern suburbs.

So I hope the streetcar is more of "let's get our foot in the door" rather than another case of thinking small.

***If Tucson were a house, Speedway east of I-10 would be the entry hall, and our entry hall might be the ugliest part of the whole house. To me, this puts that corridor on the revitalization priority list.

[Thirsty]

Does anyone have a clue why the YMCA plot developers only agreed to preserve the two old adobes for 10 years? Are they planning to extend the building at that point? Seems to me, once you build your structure... you stop worrying about razing nearby homes.

To me the property owner would benefit from getting that rezoned commercial. Put in a Rincon Market type place or eatery. The two houses could be gutted and combined in a way that preserved the architecture and history of the neighborhood. (I mean, if you were going to raze them anyhow, who cares if you just tear out the insides) It is so close to 4th Ave, it has got to have commercial value, not to mention the 700-some trust fund babies living 40 feet away.

[ComplotDesigner]

An update from a friend of mine!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208587_1821972642556_1637412075_1716954_362628_n.jpg

[acatalanb]

:previous: the TEP building looks nice. I've said this again and I'll say it again - the Chicago Music Store needs at least a facade renovation. It's an eyesore.

[acatalanb]

......
So I hope the streetcar is more of "let's get our foot in the door" rather than another case of thinking small.
......


I agree. I'm afraid the Old Pueblo might revert back to the 'small thinking' mode. Tucson has this culture of fluctuating between growth and anti-growth. My guess here is that the light rail will be extended considering the seemingly permanent high cost of unleaded fuel.

Let me add. Tucson deserves a highly urbanized area of high density with taller high rises and central Tucson is that location. I don't know what are the zoning rules in central Tucson but it should have zoning rules that makes it easy to build high rises (of course, preserved the real historic neighborhoods). The nimby's can have their choice outside central Tucson (a lot of choices). So there's a choice for everyone.

[Thirsty]

My guess here is that the light rail will be extended considering the seemingly permanent high cost of unleaded fuel.

Payment plans were not created for clear minded people like you. Unfortunately, this makes you a weirdo. ;)

Let me add. Tucson deserves a highly urbanized area of high density with taller high rises and central Tucson is that location. I don't know what are the zoning rules in central Tucson but it should have zoning rules that makes it easy to build high rises (of course, preserved the real historic neighborhoods). The nimby's can have their choice outside central Tucson (a lot of choices). So there's a choice for everyone.

I want infill and development in the urban core, but I wish we didn't tear down our architectural core to build structures that look like they belong in an office park. I'm so happy TEP moved all those people down town, but seeing it in context of where it sits drives my previous point home.

While I'm for higher density development, I'm more NIMBY when it comes to downtown than most people here (yeah, I know it is a SKYSCRAPER forum) I'd rather see page 49 of the .pdf Anqrew posted last month (http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/planning/prog_proj/projects/urbandesign/cms1_033330.pdf). I wish Tucson would incorporate the old architecture. In my mind cities like DC are a better model than LA or Phoenix.

I'm less sympathetic to NIMBYs East of 4th, or North of Speedway. Those houses may be old, but there are thousands of examples of those styles elsewhere. In my personal karma, a re-purposed or renovated adobe pueblo is worth 1,000 concrete block ranch homes because there are 1,000 times as many of them (fingers crossed for Tucson's sake that those things come back into style).

[Thirsty]

:previous: the TEP building looks nice. I've said this again and I'll say it again - the Chicago Music Store needs at least a facade renovation. It's an eyesore.

Chicago Store... unfulfilled potential. How many years since that truck crashed into its storefront? Five? Six? Don't they have insurance?